Three repeat offenders have been placed in provisional detention in cases where the Barcelona City Council filed as a private prosecutor, Mayor Jaume Collboni announced on Thursday 5th November 2026. This brings to six the total number of such detentions this year.
Speaking in an interview on La 2Cat and Ràdio 4, Collboni said the city’s strategy of acting as a private prosecutor in aggravated robbery cases has contributed to a 16% reduction in repeat-offence-related crimes in the first half of 2026.
The individuals involved in the council’s legal actions had accumulated 16, 29, 54, 58, 64, and 67 police records, according to Europa Press, with most offences related to property crimes in Barcelona. One suspect had 64 prior records, another 58, and the third 67, primarily for theft and related offences.
The city has pursued these cases under the provisions of Organic Law 1/2026, of 8th April, which strengthened measures against recidivism. A coordinated process involving the Guardia Urbana, municipal legal services, and other police forces was established mid-2026 to identify and act in such cases.
The message from the Barcelona City Council is that in cases involving those who commit the most crimes, we will act as private prosecutor.
One of the detained individuals was apprehended near Plaça de Gaudí following a theft operation. The council’s intervention followed police verification of repeated criminal activity and a review of judicial and police records.
City to Maintain Services During 11 November Strike
Regarding the general strike scheduled for Wednesday 11th November, Collboni stated the city would work to "guarantee normal functioning," ensuring both strikers and non-strikers could exercise their democratic rights. While expressing personal support for the strike as a UGT affiliate, he stressed that politicians have a duty to govern: "Politicians do not go on strike."
Response to October 24 Disturbances
Collboni described the disturbances following the Blocus demonstration on Saturday 24th October as one of the most challenging days of his mayoralty. He said the city faced a phenomenon it had not previously encountered and insisted institutions must respond clearly to reassure citizens, linking the unrest to the rise of far-right movements.
Comment on Puente’s Resignation
On the resignation of former Transport Minister Óscar Puente after the train accident in Urda (Toledo), Collboni said Puente had been consistent with his political principles. He added that when officials believe they have failed, they should take responsibility, a consequence, he noted, not always seen among leaders of the political right.
Sources: Europa Press, Ajuntament de Barcelona, La Vanguardia.
