Sharp Drop in Crime During Bastion Plan
Crime in L'Hospitalet has fallen by nearly 17% between April and August 2026, according to the Mossos d'Esquadra, following the launch of the targeted Bastion Plan. The comprehensive policing strategy, launched in April, involves joint operations between the Mossos, Guàrdia Urbana, and National Police to tackle repeat offending and improve public safety.
Property Crimes See Largest Decline
The most significant reductions were in crimes against property. Burglaries dropped by 18%, while forced vehicle break-ins fell by 43.87%. Robberies with violence and intimidation decreased by 20.89%, and thefts, the most common crime in the city, were down 18.6%. From January to August 2026, known incidents totalled 13,550, compared to 23,360 for the full year of 2025.
Overall Trend Outpaces Catalonia
The city's crime reduction of 13.5% from January to August exceeds Catalonia's average drop of 12%. This marks a reversal from 2025, when L'Hospitalet saw a 10% rise in crime. The Ministry of Interior's data shows conventional crimes down 13% in the city so far this year, the first sustained decrease since 2020.
Rising Cases in Some Categories
Not all crime categories improved. Drug trafficking and computer fraud rose, while assaults, fights, and crimes against sexual freedom saw slight increases. Attempted homicides increased by two cases, and there were two completed murders in the first half of 2026, compared to none in the same period of 2025.
The City Council acknowledges progress but stresses more work is needed, reaffirming support for continued joint police operations, prevention, and coordination.
Repeat Offenders Targeted
Of the 50 repeat offenders identified in the city, 30 have already been imprisoned under the Bastion Plan. Police credit the sustained drop, which grew from an 11% decrease in April to over 20.3% in August, to focused enforcement and increased patrols in high-risk areas.
Primary sources: Mossos d'Esquadra. Reported by lhdigital.cat, LHDigital (L'Hospitalet).
