Crime in Barcelona down by 11% despite increase in homicides and organized crime

Crime in Barcelona has fallen by 11.2% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the Local Security Board.

The decline comes in the context of nine homicides committed in the city during this time, three of which were linked to organized crime.

Interior Minister Núria Parlon pledged to continue combating the phenomenon, and stated that the government does not want to "shirk the most lethal crimes linked to criminal activity." Mayor Jaume Collboni, meanwhile, called for force, remarking on the necessity to "get this mob out of the city."

Yet, this comes at a moment when other types of crime is falling across the board.

Tncidents involving bladed weapons were down by 20.9%, repeat offences fell by 15.9%, and reports of sexual assault decreased by 9.4%.

There has also been a reduction in the number of people arrested and those under criminal investigation by 6.7% and 8%, respectively.

Collboni assured that the new data shows his policies are yielding results. "From the very beginning of his term, we said that we would address the issue of security in the city, because to guarantee freedoms it was necessary to guarantee security and that we would do everything in our power to reverse a situation that was worsening," recalled the mayor, who added that Barcelona is "on the right track."

The mayor also highlighted the reduction in thefts, hailing the "spectacular figure" of a decline of 21%.