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Barcelona shifts focus in fight against antisocial behaviour and increases fines for littering
Barcelona has reduced reports of antisocial behaviour by 32.7% between mid-February and the end of June 2026. During this period, 17,461 cases were opened, compared to around 26,000 in the same dates the previous year.
The decrease does not mean there is less monitoring, but rather that the Guardia Urbana has changed its priorities. The new strategy focuses controls on behaviours that more directly affect rest, cleanliness, and the shared use of streets and squares.
The biggest drop has been in reports for drinking alcohol in public spaces. These have fallen from 18,015 to 6,830, a 62% decrease, after reviewing sanctionable situations and creating categories more closely tailored to each case.
In contrast, fines for littering have soared by 310%. Cases have risen from 414 to 1,698, reflecting increased pressure on behaviours that damage pavements, squares, and thoroughfares.
Reports for urinating or relieving oneself in public have also risen by 15%. Penalties are more severe when the behaviour occurs near busy venues, children's areas, or available public toilets.
Unauthorised street vending continues to generate significant activity. Reports without merchandise being abandoned have increased by 13%, while interventions involving goods left on the street exceed 13,000.
Ciutat Vella accounts for more than 7,000 reports and remains the district with the highest level of sanctions. Next are Sant Martí y Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, although the type of offence varies greatly between tourist areas, leisure zones, and residential neighbourhoods.
The Oficina de Convivencia has issued more than 11,500 fines and processed 259 alternative measures to sanctions, almost three times more than a year earlier. The change results in fewer cases overall, but more intensive monitoring of littering and other behaviours that are noticeable daily in public spaces.