Lleida recorded an 11.6% reduction in criminal incidents during the first quarter of 2026, according to figures released by the city council. The total number of reported crimes fell from 2,884 to 2,550 compared to the same period last year.
Mayor Fèlix Larrosa highlighted this "substantial reduction" and emphasised the importance of cooperation between security forces. He pointed to two recent operations as proof of this collaboration: an anti-drug and weapons trafficking operation in Mariola and L'Horta this week, and the 'Kanpai' operation in the Historic Centre at the end of March. Larrosa stated, "These strong operations are necessary to move towards a safer city, which is what we all want."
The mayor expressed satisfaction that criminal incidents in Lleida have decreased for two consecutive years. He also noted that police effectiveness is becoming evident, not only in combating crimes defined by the Penal Code but also in reporting and sanctioning breaches of municipal ordinances.
Significant Drop in Vehicle Break-ins
One of the most notable decreases was in forced robberies inside vehicles, which fell by 58.6% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025. These incidents dropped from 580 to 240. These statistics, from the Mossos d'Esquadra, were presented at a follow-up meeting with security commanders at the Guàrdia Urbana police station.
The meeting was led by Mayor Larrosa and included Cristina Morón, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Security, Mobility, and Civics, and Josep Mallada, Intendent of the Guàrdia Urbana. Overall, crimes against property saw an 18.9% decrease, moving from 2,249 to 1,824 incidents.
Larrosa also stressed the need for stronger action against repeat offenders. He explained, "A single person participates in multiple criminal acts. If, when we detain them, they are also provisionally deprived of their liberty, the criminal acts that could be attributed to them fall dramatically. This happened with robberies in L'Horta and has happened with vehicles this quarter."
Guàrdia Urbana Recruitment Drive
In addition, the mayor announced the imminent opening of a call for applications to fill between 10 and 12 new positions within the Guàrdia Urbana. "Therefore, we are making progress in replacing basic agents, but we are also moving forward with calls for commanders and for any remaining vacancies," Larrosa said. He affirmed that this recruitment drive reinforces the municipal government's commitment to stabilise the force's headcount at around 250 agents.
