Ibiza Records Highest Crime Rate in the Balearic Islands

Ibiza Crime Rate

A Troubling Trend

In the pristine paradise of Ibiza, where azure waters and vibrant nightlife typically steal the spotlight, an alarming trend has emerged in recent months. The island, known for its idyllic landscapes and world-famous parties, is now making headlines for a less glamorous reason – its crime rate.


The Startling Numbers

According to data provided by the Government Delegation in the Balearic Islands, Ibiza’s crime rate has skyrocketed in the first half of the year. An unsettling 81.7 crimes have been registered per thousand inhabitants, significantly higher than the regional average of 66. This statistic, while concerning, represents an improvement from pre-pandemic levels.


Pre-Pandemic Peaks

It’s worth noting that Ibiza’s crime rate reached its highest point in 2019 when it stood at 67.6 crimes per thousand inhabitants. Subsequently, over the next two years, there was a gradual decline, with rates of 51 and 52 crimes per thousand inhabitants in 2020 and 2021, respectively.


Formentera’s Numbers

The neighboring island of Formentera, known for its tranquility and pristine beaches, has not been immune to this trend. In the first half of the year, Formentera recorded a crime rate of 56 crimes per thousand inhabitants, painting a somewhat less dire picture than Ibiza but still concerning.


A Mixed Bag of Solving Crimes

In an interesting turn, the first six months of this year have seen the Balearic Islands solve nearly 42% of reported crimes, a notable increase of five points compared to the previous year. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, it also underscores the extent of criminal activity in the region.


The Usual Suspects

The most common crimes in the Balearic Islands continue to be thefts, although there has been a modest decrease of over 2%. Furthermore, home robberies, murders, and attempted homicides have all seen declines. However, crimes against sexual freedom have risen, with a notable decrease in sexual assaults with penetration.


The Cybercrime Surge

As the world becomes increasingly connected, so does the world of crime. The Balearic Islands have witnessed a significant surge in cybercrime, with an overall increase of 19%. Computer scams, in particular, have risen by a staggering 27.6%. In contrast, other cybercrimes have decreased by more than 23%.


Regional Overview

Zooming out to the entire Balearic Islands region, the picture remains troubling. The first half of the year witnessed a total of 35,221 criminal offenses, marking a 4.9% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.


Crime by Municipality

Breaking down the numbers by municipality, Palma, the capital of Mallorca, leads the pack with a crime rate of almost 84 cases per thousand inhabitants. Marratxí follows closely, with approximately 35 cases, and Santa Eulària with 54 cases. In other municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants, Calvià experienced a slight decrease, while the rest reported minor increases in criminal offenses compared to the same period last year.


The Island Complexities

Understanding these statistics requires acknowledging the unique complexities of the Balearic Islands. The crime rate is calculated based on the census population, which doesn’t account for the substantial transient population drawn to the region as a tourist destination. This dynamic has historically placed the Balearic Islands at the top of this statistical measure.


A Broader Perspective

Looking at the last twelve months, the Balearic Islands have averaged 66 crimes per thousand inhabitants. By comparison, Mallorca’s rate stands at 65.7, Ibiza at 81.7, Menorca at 44.3, and Formentera at nearly 56 crimes per thousand inhabitants. In Spain as a whole, the crime rate is 50.3 crimes per thousand inhabitants.


Conclusion

The recent surge in Ibiza’s crime rate, making it the highest among the Balearic Islands, demands attention and action. While there have been improvements in solving crimes, the region still grapples with various criminal offenses, including a notable rise in cybercrime. These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive measures to address the unique complexities of crime in this picturesque paradise.