26-Jul-24: 'Crime in Barcelona down in 2024'

The total number of crimes reported in the city decreased by half a percent, after a nearly 9% increase last year. Thefts still account for six out of every ten crimes, with 40% occurring on the streets. Arrests are up 9% and police have identified 265 repeat offenders responsible for more than 4,000 robberies. The five most active criminals in the city have a combined total of 274 prior offenses. The Barcelona City Council has provisionally approved raising the tourist tax from €3.25 to €4. This price is paid per person per night, and is in addition to a Catalan tourist tax. The increase in the surcharge is expected to bring in an additional €20 million to the city each year. Catalonia remains near the bottom of the list in terms of funds received from the state per inhabitant, despite being among those that contribute the most. In 2022 Catalonia was the territory that paid the third most to state coffers, but tenth in terms of resources received. Each Catalan contributed an average of €3,565 but received €3,264 back in investments. The unemployment rate in Catalonia fell slightly to 9.4% in the second quarter of 2024. However, compared to the same period last year, the number of unemployed workers rose by 31,000. Meanwhile, the jobs market saw a new record high, reaching 3.8 million. The Olympic torch will be lit tonight at the opening ceremony in Paris, and Catalan athletes have high hopes for football, water polo, sailing and kayaking. The prestigious magazine Sports Illustrated predicts a record medal haul for the Catalans, with 3 gold and 7 bronze medals for a total of 42 athletes. 📄 Read more about it on our website 👉 CatalanNews.com 📌 Follow us on X to get the latest news 👉   / catalannews   https://www.catalannews.com