Montserrat Escudé, the new chief intendant for the Mossos d'Esquadra in Ciutat Vella, has outlined her key priorities to enhance safety and combat crime in the district. She aims to ensure residents feel secure and proud of their neighbourhood, betevé reported.
Fighting petty crime, including thefts and violent robberies, remains a top focus for the police force. Escudé stated, "It is a priority for the force, as it should be, to fight against this petty crime, against these thefts and these robberies with violence and intimidation, to ensure that Barcelona remains a safe city, as it already is." Police work closely with courts to implement more efficient measures against repeat offenders.
The Mossos d'Esquadra also actively combats illegal weapon possession through "Plan Daga". Police have detected a trend of people carrying weapons for a false sense of security, according to narcopisos, or drug flats. Escudé explained, "We have Plan Daga, which fights against these weapons, and we must not only prevent their use but also their possession and people carrying them on the street." Increased controls and expanded operations will confiscate these items from public spaces.
Tackling Drug Flats and Neighbourhood Peace
The new chief intendant highlighted the impact of "narcopisos," or drug flats, on community life. She emphasised that even small drug seizures are important for restoring peace. Escudé said, "Having neighbours with a drug flat in the same building causes a tsunami, and for us, recovering civic coexistence and ensuring neighbours can live peacefully is as important as, or more important than, acquiring large quantities of narcotic substances." These operations directly improve residents' quality of life.
Preventing Gender-Based Violence
Prevention is a key strategy, especially concerning gender-based violence in Ciutat Vella. Escudé pointed out that poverty in the district often means victims do not report incidents. She stated, "The great challenge in Ciutat Vella is to do a lot of prevention, very strong prevention, with the aim that the hidden figure of cases of gender-based violence decreases." The police aim to help women and children understand their rights and report violence. This proactive approach seeks to uncover unreported cases.
Ciutat Vella's Unique Challenges
Ciutat Vella, a central Barcelona district, is home to over 100,000 residents and attracts millions of tourists annually. It is known for its historic architecture, including the Gothic Quarter and El Born. However, the district also faces unique social challenges, including areas with higher poverty rates. This context makes targeted prevention efforts, particularly for vulnerable groups, critical for public safety and community well-being.
Escudé's strategy focuses on a multi-pronged approach to crime. It combines direct enforcement with strong community engagement and prevention programmes. These efforts aim to build trust and improve the daily lives of Ciutat Vella's residents, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
