Barcelona's Mossos d'Esquadra and Guardia Urbana have launched a joint anti-vandalism operation in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, deploying every weekend to deter violent acts following a series of incidents on 3 May.

Increased Police Presence in Sarrià

Around 20 individuals, many of them minors, committed three robberies with intimidation in Sarrià on the morning of 3 May. They also damaged parked cars and motorcycles. The attackers used significant violence, threatening some victims with pepper spray. They stole items like clothing and an electronic speaker, which police later recovered and returned to its owners.

Police arrested nine minors in connection with these events. Six minors faced charges for violent robbery and intimidation after officers found them on Cardenal Sentmenat street with stolen items. Later, a patrol on Major de Sarrià street observed three young people hiding among parked cars. These suspects had used a rental motorcycle to damage two parked cars and also broke two other rental motorcycles in the area. Police arrested them for property damage.

Preventing Future Incidents

Authorities aim to prevent groups from intimidating young people and causing vandalism in the area. Police sources told El Periódico that such attacks "happen occasionally." However, the new operation will establish detection controls for groups that might cause conflict. Officers will stop and search individuals for weapons or other threatening items.

Mossos d'Esquadra also noted that these groups of young people often gather in crowded areas during neighbourhood parties. They typically act together to create an intimidating numerical advantage for robberies. Some members may disperse into smaller groups to commit vandalism.

Coordinated Police Response

The police operation combines preventive measures, such as these controls, with reactive patrols across the entire district. Dynamic patrols will respond quickly to any alerts or emergency calls. Logotyped police vehicles played a role in the recent arrests, stopping the three minors who damaged cars with rental motorcycles.

Public order units from the Mossos d'Esquadra, including the Área Regional de Recursos Operativos (ARRO) and the Brigada Móvil, will coordinate with the operation's leaders. These intervention teams remain on weekend night duty across Barcelona. They can deploy to Sarrià for any emergencies or serious incidents. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is one of Barcelona's ten districts, known for its residential character and green spaces, making these incidents particularly concerning for its residents.

When police detain a minor, they take them to the police station. Officers then notify the minor's parents or legal guardian. Subsequently, police typically refer the minor to the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office. Depending on the crime's severity, authorities may identify the suspect and release them. The police report initiates proceedings in the duty Juvenile Court, which will summon the detained individual as required.

This ongoing weekend operation aims to restore a sense of security for residents and visitors in Sarrià. It focuses on preventing further acts of violence and property damage in a district popular with families and young people.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.