According to the latest statistics and reports, theft and minor property crimes are fairly common in Spain, particularly in high-tourism areas like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Recent data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior indicate that pickpocketing and theft in crowded, tourist-heavy areas remain among the most frequent crimes, often involving tactics such as “accidental” spills on clothing or unsolicited offers of items like bracelets to create distractions.
Spain is also noted for its high rate of thefts against tourists, ranking among the top countries for this type of crime. An AXA insurance study reveals that approximately 16.2% of reported thefts abroad occurred in Spain, followed by Italy and France, which are also popular tourist destinations.
For a detailed breakdown by region and specific crime trends, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior provides regularly updated data on its crime statistics portal. This resource covers both quarterly and annual crime rates across different types of offenses, which can offer deeper insights into the security landscape in various Spanish regions.