Barcelona recorded a 40% increase in convictions against repeat offenders during 2025 compared to the previous year. This significant rise follows a joint "shock plan" launched in December 2024. The Spanish Government, the Catalan government, and Barcelona City Council implemented this plan to tackle persistent crime.
Stronger Penalties and Judicial Reinforcement
Spanish Minister Félix Bolaños announced 1,380 more sentences against repeat offenders in Barcelona in 2025. This represents a 40% increase. Authorities strengthened the Penal Code to make this conduct more punishable, Bolaños stated. He added that these measures have yielded "immediate" results. Bolaños believes they are "on the way" to alleviating the repeat offending problem. He attributed this success to inter-administrative collaboration. Reinforcing security agents and judicial resources also played a part.
President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, highlighted a drop in overall crime across Catalonia. "Crime is falling in Catalonia," Illa said. "Repeat offending does not pay." He added, "Crimes of this type have fallen by 40% so far this year." Illa emphasised that Catalonia "is safer every day." He cited lower crime rates as proof. In January and February 2026, Catalonia saw 9,000 fewer crimes. This shows an intensified reduction in offences.
Faster Justice and New Judicial Posts
The three administrations declared repeat offending a "real" problem. They stressed that improved security "guarantees coexistence" in Catalonia. This collaborative effort has been critical for public safety. Minister Bolaños announced plans to create 500 new judge positions across Spain. Of these, 91 will be for Catalonia. "This is the first time the Government will create more positions than the Catalan government requested," he noted. Bolaños will also announce 200 new positions for the Public Prosecutor's Office on Monday. Consequently, these appointments aim to further speed up judicial processes.
Catalan Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler, detailed improvements in judicial efficiency. Quick trial processes now take 13 months, down from 18 months. Minor and immediate cases have reduced from eight months to two months. These reductions mean faster resolutions for victims and the accused. This helps to clear backlogs in the justice system.
Barcelona City Police Access Key Database
Espadaler also highlighted an agreement allowing the Barcelona City Police (Guardia Urbana) to access the national Siraj database. This tool helps officers instantly detect if a detained person is a repeat offender. This access provides a critical advantage for law enforcement. As a result, it allows for more informed decisions during arrests and investigations. Minister Bolaños praised Barcelona's police for being the first to use this system. He noted that 60 other municipalities have since adopted it. This shows the effectiveness of the Siraj database in identifying repeat offenders across Spain.
The Catalan government has also driven specific programmes. Catalan Minister of Interior and Public Security, Núria Parlon, reported on the Kanpai Plan (Pla Kanpai). Since April 2015, authorities have identified over 32,000 individuals through 14 operations. These operations mobilised 7,650 officers. Additionally, they led to 580 arrests and recovered 2,000 mobile phones. These efforts target organised crime and repeat offenders directly impacting residents.
Significant Crime Reductions Across Catalonia
Parlon provided further crime reduction statistics. Crimes on the AP-7, A-2, and C-32 motorways have fallen by 37%. Criminal activity at the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport saw a 60% reduction. These figures demonstrate the broad impact of the joint security measures. Reduced crime on major transport routes benefits commuters and tourists alike. The airport's improved safety enhances Barcelona's international reputation.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni welcomed the increase in repeat offender convictions. "It is one of our security priorities, and we are getting very good results," Collboni stated. He confirmed the City Council will use a recent Penal Code reform. This reform allows local councils to prosecute repeat offenders directly. The City Council will open a "specific line of work" for these cases. This new legal strategy empowers the city to take a more active role in combating repeat offending. It aims to further deter persistent criminals.
Future Outlook for Public Safety
The ongoing collaboration between the Spanish Government, the Catalan government, and Barcelona City Council aims to further strengthen public safety. New judicial appointments and continued operational plans will support these efforts. Residents and visitors can expect sustained focus on reducing crime and ensuring a secure environment across Barcelona and Catalonia. These measures seek to build on the positive results seen in 2025 and early 2026. The goal is a safer city for everyone.
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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.
