Major police union organizations have expressed alarm at the rise in crime within the Community of Madrid. Data from the first quarter of 2026 shows a 2.3% increase in the total number of offenses compared to the same period last year.
Particular concern has been highlighted regarding the surge in homicides, brawls, and drug trafficking-related offenses. These categories are considered especially worrying due to their impact on citizens' perception of safety.
“"Certain forms of criminality are becoming chronic without anyone seeming capable of stopping them."
The Spanish Police Confederation (CEP) has questioned the management of the Government Delegate in Madrid and the Head of Police, holding them responsible for failing to contain this escalation of crime. The Unified Police Union (SUP) further warns that crime has evolved towards more sophisticated expressions, with increasing prominence of organized crime, drug trafficking, violent gangs, and cybercrime.
In response, the SUP calls for a more specialized police response, including greater resources, expanded staffing, and improved operational tools. They also demand institutional support to strengthen officers' authority and legal security in their duties.
The Unified Local Police Union (PLA) directly links the rise in crime to a shortage of personnel. Its representative, José Francisco Horcajo, has urged the removal of restrictions on replacement rates to expedite the hiring of new officers, warning that the current situation compromises the preventive and operational capacity of police forces.
According to the Ministry of the Interior's Crime Report, homicides increased by 60% in the Community of Madrid in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025. Less serious offenses such as brawls and public disturbances grew by 20.6%, and those related to drug trafficking by 33.2%.
In the city of Madrid, general crime rose by 0.7%. Homicides increased from one to four cases, and serious and less serious offenses of injury and public disturbances grew by 14.7%. These increases are linked to the activity of violent youth gangs and knife attacks.
