The widespread decline in property crimes in Catalonia, and particularly in the city of Barcelona, which in the absence of official data has persisted during the summer months, does not hide the worrying evolution of some types of crime, mostly linked to drug trafficking. This is evidenced by the data for the first half of this year, during which 68 shootings with live ammunition were recorded, 21 more than in the same period of 2025. An increase of 45%.
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During those six months, according to Betevé, 305 incidents involving firearms were recorded in Catalonia, a figure slightly lower than the 324 recorded the previous year. This count includes all episodes involving a firearm, even if it is not used. This is the case, for example, with intimidations.
Collboni asks new Urban Guard officers to prioritize the fight against knives
The increase in shootings contrasts with the general trend in crime. In the first report on criminal activity this summer, covering from the start of the season to August 31, the general indicators in the Barcelona police region improved compared to the same period last year, with a considerable reduction of around 16.5%.
The most common crime, theft, experienced an even greater decrease, of 24.2%, while crimes associated with multiple repeat offenders fell by 19%.
A similar decrease is observed in incidents involving knives. Between January 1 and August 31 of this year, 1,056 were recorded, 20% less than in the same period of 2025, and more than 1,700 such weapons were seized, 5% less than the previous year. Last Monday, the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, announced that all Urban Guard vehicles will be equipped with metal paddles that allow detection of this type of weapon. In fact, the municipal police were the first to acquire these tools to carry out some searches.
The fight against possession and use of knives, multiple repeat offending, and incivility were precisely the three priorities the mayor set yesterday for the 60 new Urban Guard officers of Barcelona, presented on the street, at the Rambla del Raval. Collboni called on the new police officers to be firm against three phenomena that directly affect citizens’ perception of insecurity.
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“Be visible, approachable, and demanding when necessary,” he said during the event, which was also attended by the Government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto; the deputy mayor for Security, Albert Batlle; the chief superintendent of the Urban Guard, Pedro Velázquez; and commanders from the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Civil Guard, and the National Police.
With these new additions, the Urban Guard reaches 3,392 officers. Another 134 officers will begin their training in October at the Institut de Seguretat Pública de Catalunya.
Collboni wanted to convey a message of confidence to the newcomers and assured them that they have the full support of the mayor and the city government.
Of the 60 new officers, 57 are men and three women, and 33 come from other police forces. Albert Batlle asked them to “never lose sight of proximity” and highlighted that the imminent signing, on Thursday, of the new and long-awaited agreement between the Mossos and the Urban Guard will provide a good opportunity to strengthen security in the city.
Pedro Velázquez also insisted on the commitment to proximity and the relationship officers must maintain with residents. “Don’t let routine make you think all processes are the same. And keep seeing the people behind each service,” said the chief of the Urban Guard during the welcome of the city’s new police officers.
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