Do you want to travel to Barcelona, but you're worried about security? You're worried! At ForBarcelonaLovers we'll tell you all about crime and safety in Barcelona so you can relax. Let's get to it!
Safety in Barcelona
Crime in Barcelona varied by -40.63 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year, with a total of 89,069 criminal offenses, according to data from the Balance of Crime of the Ministry of Interior.
The crime in Barcelona in relation to the rest of Spain has always been higher (perhaps because it is a big city the figures increase). We can't compare Barcelona with Santander either, can we?
Robberies, the most common crime in Barcelona
Robberies with violence and intimidation have varied in Barcelona by -33.22% in 2020 compared to the same period last year. In total, since the beginning of the year until quarter 3 of 2020, 7,212 robberies were recorded. In Barcelona the presence of pickpockets is very common. It is the theft par excellence in the city, so it is what you should watch out for the most.
To make sure nothing happens to you, we have created a list with some security tips :
- If you appear attentive and don't show any valuables, you're less likely to get robbed.
- If you are confronted by a group of people trying to distract you, quickly turn your back and walk away.
- Carry only the money you need for the day and no more.
- Don't carry a backpack on your back - be especially vigilant about this on the subway.
- If you have to look at the map, go to a café and sit down instead of looking at the destination on the streets. Doing the latter is like putting up notices that you don't know the area and are a tourist, and that's exactly what muggers are looking for.
- In cafes and restaurants, pay attention to your bags and wallets .
- Beware of distractions / scams - these start with a distraction, e.g. someone asking you for directions.
- Be extra vigilant in train and metro stations.
- Keep your passport safe - Spanish law requires you to carry photographic identification with you at all times, although a photocopy of your passport is usually sufficient.
- Avoid going out at night on desolate, dark streets, especially if you're on your own.
- When you're on the beach, don't leave your personal belongings unattended.
Dangerous areas of Barcelona
The districts of Ciutat Vella and Eixample concentrated 70% of thefts in Barcelona and about 50% of robberies with violence, and tourists are among the most affected groups. The Raval police station records long queues for the numerous complaints from citizens, mostly for thefts, which can last up to three hours. However, there are many other neighborhoods in which you have to take into account. Here are some of the least safe neighbourhoods in Barcelona.
Raval
The Raval is considered the most unsafe neighborhood in Barcelona, according to indicators and data provided by the City Council. Like the neighborhoods of Ciutat Vella, they are affected by the perception of safety of the district is the lowest in Barcelona, and the percentage of crime by the number of inhabitants is the highest.
Barceloneta
Ciutat Vella is the most unsafe district of Barcelona, according to all indicators. In terms of perception of insecurity, it is only comparable to Nou Barris. La Barceloneta, which is much more than a beach, is affected as a neighbourhood by the indicators of Ciutat Vella, and despite not being a violent area, mass tourism allows theft and petty crime.
The PolvorĂ
El PolvorĂ de Montjuic is an area where it is better not to go. It is quite unsafe due to the drug trafficking chain that is set up there. If you don't want to get into trouble, there are very nice and safe areas of Barcelona waiting for your visit.
La Mina
La Mina is, without a doubt, the neighbourhood you shouldn't go to. More drugs are trafficked and consumed in La Mina than in the whole of Barcelona. The venipuncture room in this neighbourhood of Sant Adrià del Besòs distributes a quarter of the official syringes distributed throughout Catalonia every day. Besides, there's nothing important to see, so it's best not to waste your time going there.
Barcelona: a safe city
Sallent has affirmed that Barcelona "is a safe city" and that they have managed a situation of crime growth within low parameters in relation to the European context, and has valued very positively the results of the plan.
Despite all the things you've just read, not visiting out of fear is not an option. Besides, problems usually start when tourists do not take the right precautions. If you follow these tips you can significantly reduce the chances of something bad happening to you and you will be able to enjoy a trouble-free visit.
As we have said, all you have to do is take a few precautions, travel to Barcelona and have a great time!
