Spanish Congress Approves Law Targeting Repeat Petty Thieves

The Spanish Congress has approved a law against repeat petty theft, promoted by Junts, which local leaders in La Seu d'Urgell hail as a vital step toward curbing persistent crime in the town.

The legislation, delayed for two years under the socialist government in Madrid, ends what authorities describe as a "revolving door" for multirecidivists—offenders who accumulate arrests for minor crimes like shoplifting, mobile phone thefts, and small-scale robberies, only to be released quickly. These incidents, concentrated in the town center, have fostered a sense of impunity, undermining local businesses and community life, according to Junts per la Seu.

In June, Mossos d'Esquadra conducted an operation in La Seu d'Urgell that identified 99 individuals and issued several reports, highlighting police effectiveness despite lacking adequate legal tools. Junts brought a motion to the municipal council in October 2024, backed by PSC and ERC, urging action on the issue—a demand rooted in local needs rather than party lines.

Key provisions include penalties for repeat petty thefts regardless of low value, an aggravated offense for stealing mobile devices—now seen as essential for digital identity and work—and judicial orders to ban offenders from habitual crime zones. Municipalities like La Seu d'Urgell can also join cases causing public alarm, positioning town halls as frontline defenders of public order.

Supporters emphasize benefits for the historic center, commercial streets, and family areas, where such measures promise safer public spaces. While the law does not address all security challenges—such as social policies or prevention—it equips police and courts with effective instruments, they argue.

Junts credits its pressure in Barcelona and Madrid for unblocking the reform after two years of inaction, despite appeals from Catalan mayors. The party frames the approval as a win for residents, small shops facing survival threats, and efforts to restore trust and tranquility in neighborhoods like Castellciutat. Authorities note the change arrives late but marks progress for a more secure La Seu d'Urgell.