The Mossos d'Esquadra have activated Plan Bastió in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, a shock plan coordinated with national and local police forces to curb the increase in crime, with special attention to violent robberies and assaults on scooters.
The deployment began on April 14 after the police noted a resurgence of criminal acts during the past year. The response includes increased patrols, drones, plainclothes officers, and motorized units to try to contain robberies that have gained prominence in the city and that, according to the Mossos, correspond to a specific criminal profile.
The plan started on April 14 after the increase in violent robberies
Miquel Hueso, deputy commissioner of the Territorial Superior Command, explained that the operation has been designed as a sustained intervention over time. The commander directly linked it to the growth of the crime curve in L'Hospitalet, especially due to violent robberies committed on scooters.
"We wanted it to be a persistent, intense, impactful shock plan to reduce the crime curve in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, especially increased by violent robberies on scooters committed by a very specific profile of criminals" - Miquel Hueso, deputy commissioner of the Territorial Superior Command
In addition to intensive patrols, Plan Bastió foresees exhaustive security checks, the presence of specialized motorized units, and the use of drones. The operation also includes the deployment of riot control units if the situation requires it.
Among the priorities are the detection of robberies in the act with plainclothes officers and the closure of escape routes with air support and rapid mobility. The police also aim to remove scooters from circulation and act on receiving premises based on a mapping that is still in progress.
The Mossos have arrested 28 people in three weeks and three are already in prison
The initial investigations linked to the plan have resulted in 28 arrests of individuals with violent profiles during the last three weeks. Of that group, three people have already been imprisoned.
The operation includes weapons checks on public roads, in transport, and in leisure venues. Added to this is the application of the new law against repeat offending with the aim of dismantling gangs and facilitating prison sentences or the imposition of precautionary measures.
Reinforced personnel from the Basic Police Area of Barcelona will also participate to overcome territorial limits between demarcations and expand response capacity. The Mossos now focus their main efforts on Santa Eulàlia, Collblanc, and La Torrassa.
Each week, commanders will review criminal patterns in these three neighborhoods to detect possible displacements of criminal activity and adapt the police operation there.