Montserrat Escudé, the new chief of the Mossos d'Esquadra in Barcelona's Ciutat Vella Basic Police Area, stated that "Barcelona is safe" in a recent interview. Escudé outlined her priorities, focusing on ensuring residents feel secure and proud to live in the district.
Combating repeat offenders is a key focus for the police force, according to Escudé. She highlighted efforts against petty crime, theft, and violent robberies, aiming to maintain Barcelona's safety. The Mossos are working to generate intelligence and communicate more effectively with the courts, which should lead to more efficient judicial measures.
Tackling Knife Crime and Drug Dens
The proliferation of bladed weapons is another concern. Escudé mentioned the 'Daga' plan, which aims to prevent both the use and possession of such weapons. She noted a trend in recent years where people carry knives for a perceived sense of security, calling it "counterproductive". More controls and expanded operations are planned to confiscate these items.
Regarding 'narcopisos' (drug dens), Escudé explained that while the amount of drugs seized might not always be judicially significant, their impact on neighbourhood peace is substantial. "Having neighbours with a 'narcopiso' in the same building causes a tsunami," she said, adding that restoring community coexistence is as important as seizing large quantities of narcotics.
Preventing Gender-Based Violence
Preventing gender-based violence is a major challenge, particularly in Ciutat Vella. Escudé drew a parallel with homelessness, noting that people often do not report violence when their basic needs are unmet. The goal is to implement strong prevention efforts to reduce the hidden number of gender-based violence cases.
Escudé emphasised that Ciutat Vella still experiences poverty, and women and children often do not know their rights. The police aim to help them report violent situations. These efforts represent the force's commitment to improving safety and quality of life for all residents in the district.
