Authorities have detected signs of fraud at 147 electricity meters and disconnected 37 illegal water connections during a joint operation in the Font de la Pólvora area of Girona on Thursday 15 October 2026.
The operation, coordinated with the Catalan government’s Department of Interior, involved inspections of 285 electricity meters, with 147 showing signs of tampering, a rate of 51.58%. The municipal cleaning and public order initiative also uncovered and severed 37 unauthorised water connections.
Combined Action for Public Order
The operation included street cleaning, removal of bulky waste, and checks on illegal parking and abandoned vehicles. Nine fines were issued for improper parking, and four abandoned cars were removed.
Support was provided by Girona Municipal Police, Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan regional police), and Giroa+Neta, the city’s cleaning and maintenance service.
Garantir la convivència als barris necessita d'una perspectiva de 360º i per això els dispositius extraordinaris combinen [.] la neteja i manteniment de la via pública amb les inspeccions contra el frau en els subministraments
Sílvia Aliu Gifre, deputy mayor and councillor for Coexistence and Security and Finance and Human Resources at Girona City Council, said the operation reflects a comprehensive approach to neighbourhood safety and fairness in utility use.
What This Means for Residents
Fraudulent utility use undermines public services and can pose safety risks. The city council said these periodic operations are conducted in collaboration with residents to improve living conditions and ensure equitable access to essential services.
Residents who suspect illegal connections or meter tampering can report concerns to the city’s environmental monitoring unit via the Gerió Digital portal.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat, Departament d'Interior i Seguretat Pública, interior.gencat.cat. Reported by gerio.cat, Gerió Digital.
