The drop in crime figures for Barcelona in 2015 came out at 0.5%. Since 2010, the overall drop stands at 6.7%, with 12,468 fewer offences. The coordination between city police and the Mossos d’Esquadra corps has had a notable impact on the improved figures.

Barcelona city police and the Mossos d’Esquadra police corps presented the overview on crime, which shows that since 2012 there has been a downward turn in criminal offences. In terms of crimes against people, which account for 7% of the overall figures, there was a drop of 6.9%. In particular, figures relating to abuse within the home, injuries and deaths were down, with a drop of 21.3% in fatalities compared to 2014. Figures for abuse and sexual aggression, however, are up.

Crime against property

Crime against property accounts for 90% of crime in the city and was up by 1.29%, with 156,244 offences reported in 2015. Muggings dropped by 21% and violent robberies in commercial establishments dropped by 22.35%. In contrast, burglary with forced entry was up by 27.38%. Because of this, a seasonal plan has been activated to minimise the effects of this type of crime and identify perpetrators.

Although petty crime figures were up last year by 2.94%, due to the increase in offences reported on the metro, the 2015 figures were down by 6% compared to the average for the last seven years. The Commissioner for Security and Safety, Amadeu Recasens, explained: “We need to work with ideas of proximity and dialogue, but without allowing illicit activity in the streets. We need to reduce whatever conflict there may be and that’s why the Mossos and the city police will always work together solidly”.

The report also includes data on road safety, which shows fewer mortalities and serious injuries from road accidents. Nearly 54% of offences in this area involved drink-driving, while the rest involved driving without ever having held a driving licence or not having it to hand.