topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

State and private schools in Spain

Festivals in Spain 2011

Should our kids go native too?

Childcare in Spain

Moving to Barcelona with children

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4105 0.58
Hang seng 18710.05 -0.02
Straits Times 2770.77 -0.07
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Moving to Country Facts Life in Spain: Crime and the legal system

Country Facts

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


25/10/2011Life in Spain: Crime and the legal system

Life in Spain: Crime and the legal system Having a basic idea about crime levels in Spain, plus an understanding of the legal system, can make your stay much safer when living in Spain. Here is an overview of the situation in Spain.

Spain has one of the lowest levels of crime in the EU. The Interior Ministry states that there are approximately 50 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants - a number much lower than in countries like France or the UK.

However, there are several types of crime that are more common, and that new residents should be aware of.

Car robbery
If you are the owner of a car in Spain, it is more likely that your car will get broken into than stolen. Keep that in mind, especially if your vehicle has a foreign registration or is a rental.

It is not advisable to leave any valuable objects in the car, or even a messy backseat, as it might be tempting for thieves to check what is underneath. Spanish drivers even take their car radios with them when leaving the vehicle.

Pickpockets and scams
Every country has pickpockets and people running scams, and in Spain these are among the most common crimes. Always be aware when entering crowded places such as stations, state institutions or shopping centres.

Criminals of this sort usually circle around sightseeing and tourist attractions, where they can take advantage of the foreigners' credulity. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always keep an eye on your bags and stay away from crowds.


Terrorism
Terrorism is also a threat in Spain. The Spanish Government is involved in a long-running campaign against Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA), a terrorist organization founded in 1959 and dedicated to promoting Basque independence. Through the years there have been numerous terrorist acts which have cost the lives of many innocent citizens.

Radical Islamic terrorists launched an attack in 2004 which killed over 190 people. Spanish authorities are closely observing every move of potential terrorists and work to secure the safety of all people in the country.

Property crime
Property crime appears to be a common practice in Spain. If you decide to buy property on the Iberian Peninsula, thoroughly check all the details before the transaction. Always contact a local lawyer, for they will introduce you to every last peculiarity that needs to be clear.

If you buy the property for vacations only, it is useful to know that many robberies occur while the owner is absent and no one is keeping an eye on the house.

You even need to be careful when you go on vacation in a non-guarded area -- sometimes criminals follow their victims from the airport or the station. Then when they leave their possessions in the house or the villa, the vacation often ends in the police office.

Call for help
If these precautions did not help, and you are the victim of a crime, immediately contact the police. You can call Policia Nacional at 902 102 112.

In an emergency, if you are in a city or provincial capital, you can ring 091 for the Policia Nacional or, if you are in a rural area, 062 for the Guardia Civil.

Foreign embassies advise that if you are the victim of a crime, you have to report the incident to the police. This is called making a denuncia, and is required by law for all cases, ranging from bag snatching to more serious crimes and accidents. You can do that by calling one of the phone numbers above, or in person at the nearest Comisaría de Policia. 

There are two methods for claiming damages: criminal proceedings and civil proceedings. For criminal proceedings, reports must be done within two months of the accident or assault. If there will be civil proceedings, reports must be lodged within one year of the incident.

Kirina Boykova / Expatica

Sources:

http://www.sam.sdu.dk/~jtl/sider/adveco/antonio.pdf

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2878.htm

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/when-things-go-wrong/accidents-assaults

http://spainforvisitors.com/archive/features/crimeandsafety_3.htm#modernscams


1 reaction to this article

Monkey posted: 2011-10-26 16:54:30

In Barcelona, professional thieves tend to target bars where foreigners go. I have lived in BCN for 6 years and someone tried to steal my Spanish girlfriend's iPhone inside a bar, as opposed to the normal tactic of swipinf valuables from a terrace table.
Luckily I caught him, got the phone back and administered swift, yet utterly out of character, justice
The owner of the bar we awere in thanked me and gave me a beer 'on the house' as it may deter that person from coming back to steal in his bar and the police were called, apprehended the offender and did....nothing
Petty crime, yes. Violent crime, very, very rare. I can only speak about BCN

Add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



1 reaction to this article

Monkey posted: 2011-10-26 16:54:30

In Barcelona, professional thieves tend to target bars where foreigners go. I have lived in BCN for 6 years and someone tried to steal my Spanish girlfriend's iPhone inside a bar, as opposed to the normal tactic of swipinf valuables from a terrace table.
Luckily I caught him, got the phone back and administered swift, yet utterly out of character, justice
The owner of the bar we awere in thanked me and gave me a beer 'on the house' as it may deter that person from coming back to steal in his bar and the police were called, apprehended the offender and did....nothing
Petty crime, yes. Violent crime, very, very rare. I can only speak about BCN

Add a comment

Looking for a job?

Browse all jobs
Moving to essentials
Moving to expert Q&A
ask your question
Discussion Forums

Technology in Spain

Sat phones/internet links

English in Spain

What is the best travel insurance cover to Spain?

American in Spain

U.S. citizens, plan to vote in 2012? Did you know...

Relocation to Spain

thinking of moving to madrid

Jobs in Spain

Job Agencies or how to find work.

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Expatica's Getting Started section will provide practical information on how you can open a bank account, exchange your driving licence, improve your Spanish, and more.

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Here's a guide to an extensive list of groups and clubs in Madrid for expats, from sports groups to social and family gatherings.

Groups and Clubs around Spain

Groups and Clubs around Spain

A brief introduction to our Tax section for Spain, from help with inheritance tax to accounting advice.

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in Spain, from what to ask the experts to opening a Spanish bank account.