Barcelona experienced a significant 23.5% reduction in home burglaries during the recent Easter period. Police arrested 14 individuals as part of a special operation targeting property crime. This notable decrease occurred between 27 March and 6 April, compared to the previous year’s figures.
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The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, launched a dedicated initiative to combat the typical increase in burglaries during holiday periods. This operation led to the apprehension of 14 individuals. Six of these suspects were caught ‘in flagrante delicto’ on the night of 5-6 April across various locations in the Catalan capital. This focused police effort formed part of the broader ‘Pla Kanpai’ (Kanpai Plan).
Targeted Police Operation
The Kanpai Plan is a strategic initiative specifically designed to tackle multi-repeat offending across Catalonia. Police deployed intensive patrols of plainclothes officers, known as ‘Furas’, in specific city zones. These undercover agents focused on identifying groups, primarily from Eastern European countries, who specialise in home burglaries. Additionally, the operation included checkpoints by the Regional Operational Resources Area (ARRO) and the Regional Motorcycle Group. These units monitored vehicle entry and exit points across the city. This comprehensive approach aimed to disrupt criminal networks targeting residential properties throughout the Easter holidays.
Key Arrests Across Barcelona Districts
One significant arrest occurred in Ciutat Vella, a central district popular with tourists and home to over 100,000 residents. On the night of 5-6 April, Mossos officers discovered credit cards on the street. They contacted the owner, who confirmed their absence from home. A patrol then approached the residence. Officers located two individuals acting as lookouts and a third person carrying tools for opening doors. These three suspects collectively had 63 prior arrests, underscoring the police focus on repeat offenders.
Later that same night, around 02:45, a ‘Furas’ patrol in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi observed two men. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is an affluent district with approximately 140,000 residents. One man entered a building while the other maintained a lookout. Officers subsequently discovered several doors within the building marked for potential entry. This indicated attempted burglaries.
Another incident unfolded around 07:00 when Mossos received an alert regarding a home in the Gòtic quarter. The Gòtic quarter is also part of Ciutat Vella. Police subsequently arrested a 30-year-old man on La Rambla, Barcelona’s iconic pedestrian boulevard. These targeted interventions demonstrate the effectiveness of the police operation in preventing and solving property crimes.
Future Crime Prevention Efforts
The success of this Easter operation highlights the ongoing commitment of the Mossos d’Esquadra to enhancing public safety. They aim to reduce property crime across Barcelona. Authorities expect similar targeted operations to continue during future holiday periods. These efforts will protect residents and their homes from criminal activity.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
