🚨 Crime in Spain

In 2024, Spain recorded a total of 2,445,418 criminal offenses, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.4% from the previous year’s total of 2,464,759. This trend indicates a stabilization in crime rates following a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. With a population of approximately 48,085,361, the overall crime rate in Spain stands at 51.0 offenses per 1,000 inhabitants, which positions the country among those with lower crime rates in the European Union.

When examining the crime rates across different autonomous communities, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Madrid report the highest rates, with figures of 64.1, 64.4, and 59.3 offenses per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively. In contrast, Extremadura and Asturias exhibit the lowest rates, with 33.5 and 33.7 offenses per 1,000 inhabitants. This variation across regions highlights the differing crime dynamics within Spain and suggests a need for targeted law enforcement strategies in areas experiencing higher rates of criminal activity.

A notable trend in 2024 is the significant rise in cybercrime, with 412,850 reported cases of online fraud (estafas informáticas). This increase reflects a broader global trend where digital crimes are becoming more prevalent as society becomes increasingly reliant on technology. Law enforcement agencies in Spain are likely to focus on addressing this emerging threat, which has been exacerbated by the shift to online interactions during and after the pandemic.

Overall, while Spain continues to face challenges related to crime, the data indicates a relatively stable situation compared to recent years. The low overall crime rate, along with the recent decline in total offenses, suggests that Spain maintains a reputation as one of the safer countries in Europe, although the rise in cybercrime necessitates ongoing vigilance and adaptation by authorities.