The Figueres City Council will open an office against illegal housing occupations in 2026 in a new headquarters of the Guàrdia Urbana, located in the city center, probably next to Plaça de l'Estació. The announcement was made by Mayor Jordi Masquef during the institutional event for Guàrdia Urbana Day held at El Jardí theater.
Specialized office to respond to illegal occupations
The future office will be aimed at offering more agile and specialized attention to cases of illegal occupation of homes. Masquef has explained that the objective is to bring the local police closer to the citizens and improve the response to these types of situations. The new police sub-station will be added to current resources to face the security challenges in Figueres.
"In 2026 we will launch an anti-squatting office in a new headquarters of the Guàrdia Urbana, to be even closer to the citizens and provide a more agile and specialized response" - Jordi Masquef, mayor of Figueres
Police balance and recent activity data
Between the second half of 2024 and all of 2025, the Guàrdia Urbana of Figueres has registered 830 complaints for incivility and in matters of citizen security. In the same period, 403 arrests have been made, 510 judicial requests have been received, and intervention has taken place in 38 illegally occupied dwellings. Furthermore, 657 people have been investigated in relation to different security issues.
The chief inspector, Lluís Lupiáñez, has underlined the local police force's vocation for proximity, while the mayor has recalled the municipal government's commitment to security, coexistence, and civility in the city.
"Security, coexistence, and civility will be priority objectives of our government. I committed to providing our police with material, human, and legal tools and resources to confront the multiple and diverse security problems that Figueres has" - Jordi Masquef, mayor of Figueres
Recognitions and institutional presence on the Day of the Urban Guard
During the event held at the El Jardí theater, recognitions and medals of merit were awarded to police officers, members of the army, and individuals linked to public services. The Association of Retired Officers of the Guàrdia Urbana received a special mention. José Luís Pizarro, president of the entity, highlighted the vocational work of the police force.
"In representation of values that do not expire" - José Luís Pizarro, president of the Association of Retired Officers of the Guàrdia Urbana
The event was attended by Mossos d'Esquadra, Guardia Civil, Cuerpo Nacional de Policía, Gendarmerie, Bombers, Protección Civil, representatives of the three armies, local police from the region, former mayors and councilors of Figueres, as well as invited French authorities.