Madrid has been subject to an increased crime rate in the first half of 2024.
The Madrid Municipal Police have recorded a significant amount of crimes taking place in the capital compared to previous years – with local news outlet El Mundo claiming “a crime every two and a half minutes” is committed in the city adored by British tourists and expats. The capital has also been the scene of two shootings in two months.
Police released figures showing local forces made 4743 arrests between January and June 2024, an increase of 539 compared to the same period last year.
This averages at 26 arrests made per day by officers and represents only a small amount of crimes taking place in Madrid, because responsibilities in this area fall to forces under the Ministry of the Interior. The latest data available, dating back to the first quarter of this year, recorded an average of 579 criminal offences each day.
Highlighting a worrying issue, the Municipal Police figures show an upward trend in crimes related to road safety, which tops the list with a total of 2193 arrests made within just months. This includes crimes such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless driving.
Thefts are the second-most committed crime in Madrid, with 666 arrests made compared to the 608 recorded during the same period last year. Pickpockets are rife in busy areas, bringing up the crime rate.
The data also shows an increase in arrests for public health offences, with 288 arrests made.
Police are keen to prioritise catching those who sell and distribute drugs in the capital and have increased their focus in neighbourhoods including Puente de Vallecas, Usera and Centro.
Gender and domestic violence have also been an issue, with 261 arrests being made – up from 197 last year. Domestic violence has shown to be increasing for the past few years but new data suggest a particularly notable leap in recent weeks.
The data also showed that spring was the most crime-heavy time of year. The correlation has been put down to the increase in social activity coming out of winter which experts have said creates a knock-on effect on crime.
Winter months saw a lower crime rate possibly due to fewer people being on the streets and more people being indoors due to colder temperatures.