The mayor of Santa Bàrbara, Josep Lluís Gimeno, assessed the situation, noting that although the total number of robberies (nine) was lower than the previous year (twelve), the concentration in time was the key factor generating collective fear.
“"This year we ended up with 9 robberies and last year we had 12. What happens is that last year they were very spaced out in time. When it is so concentrated, it generates this anguish, especially among the elderly and people who live alone."
The thefts were particularly violent in some cases. On November 16, during the celebration of the Fira de l’Oli i la Mediterrània, a family suffered a robbery with their door broken down. In another incident, a neighbor was the victim of a theft in a supermarket parking lot, where thieves managed to make bank transfers worth €4,500 before the bank blocked them. Another victim reported finding their house “a mess” on December 6 after being away for less than twenty minutes.
Now, whenever I leave home, I feel fear. When I arrive home, I always panic. I check the doors and inside the closets. I am afraid.
Given the situation, the Santa Bàrbara City Council activated a special security operation, reinforcing the presence of the Mossos d’Esquadra and municipal guards. This operation was maintained during the Christmas holidays, a period during which no new robberies were registered. The situation also reached the Parliament, where Deputy Irene Negre (Junts per Catalunya) demanded urgent measures, highlighting concerns about the lack of mobile coverage in the municipality.
Despite the temporary stabilization, the emotional impact persists. Many neighbors changed routines, leaving lights and televisions on to simulate presence. Mayor Gimeno assured that they will not lower their guard, although the current calm is fragile, and the security operation will remain in effect until April.
