Catalonia’s Minister for Interior and Public Security, Núria Parlon, has declared that a new law targeting repeat offenders will mark a significant turning point in the fight against crime across the region. Parlon stated in an interview with the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that this legislation, combined with ongoing police operations and increased judicial resources, will combat multi-offending more effectively.
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Minister Parlon emphasised that the “Kanpai” plan, a comprehensive police strategy, is already yielding “very good results.” A planned increase in judicial positions across Catalonia will further bolster this effectiveness. However, she underscored the new legislation’s “surgical” yet “very effective” nature in tackling repeat offending.
“The Kanpai plan is a key instrument to mobilise an operation that is not only reactive but also preventive,” Parlon commented. She added, “It collects information from different agencies and reinforces coordination with the judicial sphere and the public prosecutor’s office, and it is giving us good results.”
New Law Targets Repeat Offenders
The Spanish Congress finally approved the new law against multi-offending on 26th March. This legislation proposes prison sentences of between one and three years for thefts valued under 400 euros. It also adds aggravating factors to increase this range for mobile phone robberies. This change addresses a long-standing concern among residents and businesses regarding petty crime. Minister Parlon believes this “surgical” reform will be “very effective” and will strengthen the “deterrent factor.” She stated, “There will be more elements to prevent people from offending.” The Minister added, “Having the legislative change now will make all police work much more effective.” This legislative update provides police with stronger tools to manage repeat offenders.
Boosting Judicial Resources
The third pillar of the strategy involves enhancing judicial resources. Parlon noted that improvements are already visible with five new courts established in Barcelona. She also highlighted the planned increase in judicial positions across Catalonia. More courts for minor offences guarantee a stronger deterrent against such behaviours, according to Parlon.
Tougher Penalties for Drug Crimes
The new multi-offending law also includes an amendment to create an aggravated sub-type for electricity fraud. This aims to increase penalties for fraud linked to indoor marijuana cultivation. Parlon described this amendment as a key element in disrupting criminal networks. However, she acknowledged that “more forcefulness is needed to act more decisively and eradicate a business that is also detrimental to health.”
Catalonia’s favourable climate, the presence of uninhabited or disused spaces, and relatively lenient legislation have contributed to the rise of drug trafficking organisations. These groups cultivate marijuana and operate from within the region. The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, have implemented an intensive strategy. This includes constant operations to dismantle marijuana plantations across the territory. These operations are coordinated with the Guardia Civil, National Police, and international bodies. Parlon advocates for tougher penalties for these drug-related crimes. This would align Spanish legislation with European standards. “If we manage to assimilate the penalties to the European average, we will be more effective,” she asserted. The Mossos d’Esquadra leadership is currently debating this. They are also presenting it to the Spanish Government. Stronger penalties could significantly impact the profitability of these illicit operations.
Addressing Firearms Incidents
The Minister also observed an increase in firearms incidents linked to drug trafficking organisations. “This is an indicator that obliges us to be especially vigilant,” she remarked. She therefore supports legislative changes to facilitate the removal of illegal weapons. “It would help us greatly to act with more forcefulness on firearms that do not have a licence,” Parlon explained. The “Kanpai Pista” plan, an extension of the Kanpai strategy, focuses on detaining thieves and ‘teloners’ who operate on major motorways like the AP-7.
Significant Crime Reduction
Alongside the Kanpai plan and the fight against marijuana cultivation, the Mossos d’Esquadra’s strategy is yielding positive results. This strategy aims to deter crime and implement more effective police operations. Parlon highlighted a significant reduction in property crimes since 2011. She considers these crimes the most concerning for citizens. From 2022 to 2024, authorities recorded an average 6% decrease in burglaries, home invasions, and violent robberies in public spaces. Furthermore, the number of thefts, previously a challenge for the police, has also decreased. Notably, crimes at El Prat Airport in Barcelona reduced by 80% since 2022. “We had alerts from consulates and embassies about insecurity at Barcelona Airport,” the Interior Minister explained. She credited the deployed operation, which included restraining orders, for this success. These combined efforts demonstrate a robust commitment to public safety and crime reduction across Catalonia.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
