Move to Spain

As expats living in Spain, understanding the current crime trends can be crucial for ensuring safety and making informed decisions about where to live and visit. The latest statistics for 2024, released by the Ministry of the Interior, provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal landscape across the country.

National Overview

Despite a slight overall increase in criminality of 1.2% nationwide, the crime rates in Spain were not uniform across all regions. While some areas saw significant increases, others experienced notable decreases.

Regions with Rising Crime Rates

Aragón, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands were among the autonomous communities that witnessed the most notable increases in crime rates. Specifically, Malaga city stood out with a 10.9% increase in conventional criminality, which includes crimes such as murder, theft, drug trafficking, sexual violence, fraud, and cybercrimes. Zaragoza followed closely with a 7.8% increase[1].

Decreases in Major Cities

On a more positive note, major cities like Madrid and Barcelona saw decreases in their crime rates. Madrid's crime rate dropped by 2.2%, while Barcelona's decreased by 3.5% compared to the previous year. Other cities, such as Sevilla and Valencia, also experienced slight drops in criminal activity[1].

Types of Crimes

Property-related crimes, including burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, accounted for 44.2% of all crimes reported in Spain in 2024. Sexual violence saw a 6.6% increase across the country, while the murder rate fell slightly. Drug trafficking was up by 3.2%, and other violent crimes rose by 8.4%[1].

Safety in Tourist Areas

Barcelona, often referred to as the "pickpocketing capital" of Europe, continues to be a hotspot for petty theft, particularly in tourist areas. Pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of crimes in Barcelona in 2023, with scams, especially those related to housing and accommodation, making up another 15.1%[3].

Hate Crimes and Other Trends

Hate crimes in Spain saw a significant increase between 2022 and 2023, with a more than 20% rise overall. Discrimination against disabled people surged by 113.04%, and antisemitic incidents rose by 77% during the same period[5].

Global Context

Despite these local trends, Spain remains one of the safer countries globally. The 2024 Global Peace Index Report ranks Spain as the 23rd safest country in the world, ahead of both the UK and the USA. However, when compared to other European countries, Spain ranks 5th in terms of organised crime, indicating there is room for improvement[3].

In conclusion, while some regions in Spain are experiencing increases in crime rates, major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are seeing improvements. Expats should remain vigilant, especially in tourist areas prone to petty theft, but can generally feel safe given Spain's overall safety ranking.