The robberies are one of the main concerns of citizens in Spain.
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Although statistics show that in recent years there has been a slight decrease in crimes against property, the reality is that More than a hundred home burglaries occur every day. and many others on public roads.
Behind each case there are not only material losses, but also a strong emotional impact on the victims, who often feel unsafe even in their own home.
The security companies and the State Security Corps and Forces They have been investigating criminal organizations for years to identify patterns, anticipate new techniques and develop best prevention methods .
But thieves also innovate : When a new protection system appears, sooner or later they find a way to overcome it.
Hence prevention is a dynamic process , where both companies and end users must stay informed.
In this article we will see what exactly is robbery , which are the most common both on the street and at home and we will answer the most frequently asked questions about this phenomenon.
What is a theft?
Theft is a crime that consists of appropriating someone else's property using violence or intimidation against people , either force on things .
La difference with theft is fundamental: in theft the criminal takes something without permission, but without forcing anything or using violence (for example, picking up a cell phone resting on a table).
Instead, In robbery there is always an element of aggression or forced manipulation.
El Spanish Penal Code contemplates different types of theft:
- Robbery with violence or intimidation : when the offender threatens, attacks or forces the victim.
- Robbery of things : when methods are used to violate the security of a space (picking locks, breaking windows, using lockpicks...).
- Burglary in an inhabited house : aggravated by the special vulnerability of the victims.
- Robbery in an establishment open to the public : especially punished if it occurs during opening hours.
The penalties depend on the seriousness of the case, the value of what was stolen and whether there was physical violence. In general, they range between 1 and 5 years in prison , although they may be greater if aggravating circumstances occur (such as acting in a group, using weapons or causing injuries).
What are the most common thefts?
The robberies on the street or in public spaces They are usually fast and opportunistic. Criminals look for situations where the victim is distracted, carrying valuables in plain sight, or is in an environment where escape is easy.
Window break-ins
Although it may sound more domestic, window burglaries also occur in businesses or basements. Thieves force bars, break windows or they take advantage of open windows to sneak in quickly. They usually act at dawn , when there is less traffic on the street
Holdup
The robbery is the classic robbery that we all imagine : someone approaches you on the street, at an ATM or inside a store and, through intimidation (showing a weapon, verbally threatening or even using force), demands money or valuables.
El surprise and fear factor They are your main allies.
The tickling
This is the famous pickpocketing , very common in big cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, especially in tourist places, public transport and massive events.
The thief takes advantage of physical proximity to put his hand in bags or pockets without the victim noticing. They act with great skill and in a matter of seconds .
The crash-shock
Here the thief causes a “fortuitous” accident : a push, a collision at a traffic light or a trip on the subway stairs.
While the victim is disconcerted, an accomplice takes the opportunity to steal the victim's wallet or cell phone. It's a effective method because it diverts the attention of the affected person .
The "Burungandazo"
This term, coming from Latin America, describes the group robberies . Several criminals surround the victim: some distract with questions, noises or sudden movements, and others take advantage to steal .
Although less known in Spain, in recent years similar cases have been detected in shopping and nightlife areas .
car in motion
This method consists of opening the door of a vehicle stopped at a traffic light or when the victim gets in or out of the car. Sometimes it is enough for a bag to be visible on the seat of the co-pilot so that they snatch it and flee.
Also There is the variant of the “simulated puncture”, where thieves cause a breakdown so that the driver gets out of the car.
Skimming
An increasingly widespread technological theft. It consists of installing devices in ATMs or payment terminals to clone bank cards . Criminals capture magnetic stripe and PIN data using hidden cameras.
After make fraudulent withdrawals or purchases .
What are the most common burglaries at home?
In homes, thieves use increasingly sophisticated techniques . Your goal is to enter without leaving a trace and in the shortest time possible.
Bumping
The best known method: consists of insert a master key into the lock and hit it with a hammer so that the pistons jump and the door opens.
It is fast and hardly leaves any signs of forcing , making it difficult to prove insurance theft. The solution is to install antibumping locks.
The Slip
With an x-ray or rigid card, the thief pushes the lock latch when the door is not locked. It is surprisingly effective , but easy to prevent: just lock it whenever you leave home .
Impressioning
A technique that has gained ground in recent years. The thief introduces a special aluminum sheet on the lock ; When rotating, it picks up the imprint of the notches, which allows make a functional copy of the key .
It is prevented with High security locks and latest generation cylinders .
The Magnet
This method takes advantage of those who leave the keys inside the lock. with a magnet powerful, criminals turn the mechanism and open the door without effort or noise . Prevention is simple: never leave the key in the lock.
The Escala
The classic theft through windows, balconies or terraces. Although it may seem like a thing of the past, it is still very common. Thieves do not hesitate to use ladders, ropes or even climb the facade.
They tend to look at open windows, especially in summer. Install additional closures or bars can deter them.
Frequently asked questions
What types of homes are most often stolen from?
Data from the Ministry of the Interior indicate that chalets and single-family houses are the favorite targets : They are four times more likely to be robbed than block flats.
However, Middle class neighborhoods concentrate the highest number of crimes , since they combine a high number of homes with basic security measures.
In the wealthiest areas , although the boots may be larger, security is also more sophisticated : Cameras, private patrols, alarms and more attentive neighbors reduce opportunities.
Where do most homes get robbed?
The autonomous communities with the most home burglaries are Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencian Community and Madrid . Only Catalonia exceeded 15,000 thefts in 2020. At the other extreme, regions such as La Rioja, Navarra or Asturias present much lower figures.
At the municipal level, Girona, Barcelona, Murcia and Torrevieja are among the most affected . This does not mean that living there guarantees theft, but it does mean that extreme precautions should be taken.
What do they usually steal from a home?
90% of home burglaries are improvised , unplanned. Thieves look for what is easy and fast. Its usual objectives include:
- Cash : although it is becoming less common to have large quantities at home, It is still the most sought after loot .
- Jewelry : especially gold pieces, for their ease of resale .
- Personal documentation : passports, DNI and visas, highly valued on the black market .
- Light electronics : mobile phones, tablets, laptops… They are easily transported and resell quickly.
- Medications : Surprisingly, the prescription drugs They are in great demand in the illegal market.
- Branded fashion and accessories : Signature bags, watches or sunglasses are an increasingly frequent target.
The average amount of what was stolen from Spanish homes is around 1,500 euros , which means hundreds of millions in losses each year.
When do thefts occur?
Statistics contradict intuition: 70% of home burglaries occur weekdays and during the day , taking advantage of the fact that the occupants are away working or at school.
The months with the highest incidence are August and January , coinciding with holiday periods. As for the days, in 2019 the most problematic were Tuesdays and Saturdays , although the difference with the rest is relatively small.
Conclusion
Thefts in Spain They are a complex phenomenon, in constant evolution. Criminals innovate, but so do security companies and users, who increasingly have more information and tools to protect yourself.
The key is in prevent before sorry : reinforce locks, install alarm systems and, above all, do not underestimate the importance of daily habits (locking doors, not leaving objects visible, simulating presence when on vacation).
Total security does not exist, but reducing the risk is in our hands .
