The latest opinion barometers from the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO) show a significant increase in concern over immigration and crime in Tarragona. Immigration is now perceived as the second main problem, and citizen insecurity as the third, reaching record levels in the last decade.
“"The perception of insecurity is very basic and it's important to address it always, but any violent act can generate it, it doesn't need to be a repeated occurrence."
This growing perception contrasts with official data from the Ministry of Interior, which indicates a decrease in criminal offenses in the province of Tarragona over the last year, specifically by 6.1%. Conventional crime dropped by 5.1% and cybercrime by 11%. However, from a broader temporal perspective, crimes have increased by 14% between 2019 and 2025, driven mainly by a 75% rise in sexual offenses and a 78% increase in cybercrime.
Experts point out that this gap between perception and statistical reality is due to several factors. The proliferation of fake news on social media and the deliberate association between immigration and crime by some political parties contribute to fueling the discourse of fear. Furthermore, the media impact of isolated events, such as a homicide, can carry more weight in public opinion than hundreds of petty thefts.
“"The discourse of fear greatly moves people and influences votes."
Environmental criminology also plays an important role. Aspects such as the condition of pavements, lighting, or the presence of closed businesses can generate a feeling of abandonment and, consequently, insecurity in specific neighborhoods. Experts insist on the need to address specific problems, such as the rise in drug trafficking and incidents involving bladed weapons, by strengthening operations and taking concrete measures in these areas.
