L'Hospitalet has seen a 16% drop in criminal acts since April 2026 compared to the same period last year, following a joint security push by the city council and the Generalitat. The figures were presented today by Interior Minister Núria Parlon and Mayor David Quirós at a press conference in the Plenary Hall, citing progress under coordinated operations Plan Bastion and Plan Nautilus.
Approximately thirty repeat offenders have been arrested and imprisoned since the launch of Plan Bastion in April, around half of them for violent robberies. Nearly 1,400 arrests have been made overall during the operation. Parlon stated that crimes against property, which strongly affect public perception of safety, have declined significantly: car break-ins and violent robberies are down by 20%, and thefts by 18%.
One key tactic has been targeting the use of scooters in robberies. Over 600 scooters have been seized in recent months, many of which were used to commit fast-moving crimes. The authorities highlighted that these vehicles enabled quick escapes and contributed to a sense of impunity among offenders.
14 Drug Dens Closed Under Plan Nautilus
Under Plan Nautilus, security forces have shut down 14 drug consumption sites, known locally as narcolocals, including an illegally occupied ground-floor flat on Carrer de les Bòbiles in the Florida district. According to the Municipal Police of L'Hospitalet, the site had been used for drug sales and on-site consumption under unsanitary conditions. After weeks of surveillance prompted by resident complaints, officers cleared the premises and blocked re-entry, while electricity was disconnected due to illegal connections.
The property has since been returned to its legal owner. Municipal officers noted that each closed drug den improves neighbourhood safety. Since the plan began, more than 35 such sites have been dismantled across the city, alongside the closure of problematic bars and poorly maintained retail premises.
"The streets of Hospitalet are now safe," said Minister Núria Parlon, acknowledging previous spikes in crime had deeply concerned residents.
Despite the positive data, both Parlon and Quirós urged continued vigilance. Parlon confirmed that more Mossos d'Esquadra officers will be deployed to the city to address lingering public concerns about safety, noting that "citizens' perceptions often do not align with improved data." Mayor Quirós echoed this, adding that perceptions change slowly.
Next Steps: Youth Gang Intervention in Development
Parlon also announced that the Ministry of Interior is developing a new intervention device specifically aimed at youth gangs, a growing issue in the metropolitan area. The initiative will complement ongoing efforts under Plan Bastion, which the government says must continue to sustain the downward crime trend.
Quirós praised the coordination between local police, Mossos d'Esquadra, judges, and prosecutors as vital to the operation’s success. The city recorded a 7% overall reduction in crime over the past year, even before the full rollout of the special plans.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, elcaso.elnacional.cat, Línia Xarxa.
