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Crime falls in Lorca for first time on record as police resources expand
Sexual offences halved and burglaries down while Ayuntamiento invests heavily in equipment and patrols
For the first time since records began, crime in Lorca has fallen.According to figures from the Ministry of the Interior, 3,641 complaints were filed last year, representing a drop of almost 1%. It may sound modest, but it marks a clear break from a trend that had been heading firmly in the wrong direction for years.
“The negative trend that had persisted for almost a decade has been broken, ending the worst period between 2019 and 2023,” said Juan Miguel Bayonas, Lorca’s Councillor for Public Safety.
He pointed out that since statistics began in 2016, complaints had risen year after year, apart from the brief dip during the pandemic lockdown when streets were empty. “We have managed to go from a 20.2% increase to a -0.9% decrease, a reduction of 19.1 points,” he explained.
The latest comparison between 2024 and 2025 shows crimes against sexual freedom down by 49.1%, effectively halved. Drug trafficking offences fell by 3.8%, while burglaries in homes, businesses and other premises dropped by 7.4%. Separate municipal data puts the reduction in home burglaries at 14.7%. Other conventional crimes decreased by 5.4%, although thefts rose slightly by 12.1%.
The improvement contrasts with neighbouring municipalities such as Águilas, Mazarrón and Totana, which recorded increases of almost 11%, 15.3% and 12.6% respectively.
Municipal sources attribute the change partly to a new policing model in neighbourhoods and outlying districts, with a stronger Policía Local presence on foot and more routine preventative patrols. At the same time, the Ayuntamiento has invested heavily in resources.
Nearly €400,000 has been allocated for new equipment, including long guns, Tasers and JPX pistols, as well as vehicles and motorcycles. Plans for Policía Local officers to begin carrying taser guns were first set out last February In addition, 130 bulletproof vests have been distributed and work on a new shooting range, costing €300,000, is nearing completion. CCTV coverage has also been expanded, with the number of cameras across the city, neighbourhoods and outlying districts now approaching one hundred.
Despite the positive figures, Bayonas struck a cautious tone. “This is no time for triumphalism. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” he said, renewing calls for more Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil officers to be assigned to the area.
For now, though, Lorca has achieved something it has not seen before in recorded history: a downward turn in crime.
Image: Archive
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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