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Barcelona looks calm — but locals are fighting back against rising theft. Credit: JackF via Canva.
Tourists are swarming La Rambla, armed with selfie sticks, ice creams and untied backpacks. Somewhere nearby, a pickpocket slips their hand into an unlocked backpack. Barcelona has had the unfortunate reputation of being Europe’s pickpocket capitol for years. In recent months, thefts have reportedly increased alarmingly, and even locals are becoming more wary of their neighbourhoods. While official statistics from the Mossos d’Esquadra report a dip in overall crime, residents tell a different story —one of bolder thieves, brazen grabs, and growing public anger.
Citizen patrols: The Rise of the Citizens’ Patrol
Pickpockets are no longer operating in the open, and many Barcelona residents no longer wait for help. Instead of waiting on the sidelines for help, some Barcelona residents have stepped out into the spotlight or behind the camera. Leading the charge in Eliana Guerrero, an online “Pickpocket Hunter”. She has no badge and is not a police officer, but feels it her civic duty stop this crime.
Together with a team of volunteers, she patrols along the Tourist hotspots Filming and alerting others to suspected thieves in real time. They call themselves Patrulla Ciudadana Barcelona, But we can call vigilante heroes. The goal of their campaign is not to gain fame, but instead to stop pickpockets. It’s working. Some of their videos have millions of views on TikTok. What started as a single protest has become a movement. For these locals, this is a reclaiming their streets.
Statistics vs Reality
When we look at the figures, it does not seem so bad. According to Mossos d’Esquadra, Barcelona’s overall crime rate is lower than it has been in years—a 4.7% decrease in 2024, with thefts down 6.3%, marking the lowest level in a decade.
Pickpocketing, which is the most common form of crime in this region, remains the top offender. This crime accounts for 48.1%. In 2024, the number of repeat offenders increased by 140% (637 people who had seven or more previous arrests were held 6,993 times).
Many of these criminals are going through:
- Released quickly due to legal thresholds that classify thefts under €400 as minor offences, leading to fines rather than jail time.
- This disconnect between the official statistics and daily experiences leads to frustration in the public, and the system does not address the persistent problem with petty crime.
The Tourist Dilemma
The economic impact of theft goes far beyond the wallet. At check-in hotels are warning guests, giving safety tips and advice about how to keep belongings safe. Local tour guides weave theft prevention into city walks. And cafés are constantly chasing after panicked tourists who realise their phone is gone only after the bill arrives.
Businesses are worried. They worry that Barcelona’s reputation as a vibrant Mediterranean city is changing. Perception is key in a highly competitive tourism market.
Who is responsible for the safety of the city?
The increase in citizen patrols has created a strange debate in Barcelona. The people are tired of being silent, reporting thefts, and then hearing nothing in return.
Viral videos do not represent a long-term strategy, but they are a way to highlight the need for reform. Updates to the law that address repeat petty thievery, improved enforcement and a justice system which balances punishment with prevention.
