Public security and assistance

Public security and assistance

Drought emergency

The drought is a gradual process which consists of different stages in Barcelona and depends, among other factors, on the water available in reservoirs in the Ter-Llobregat system. Given the shortage of water resources, exceptional restrictions and limits are applied in the use of water.

At present we are in the EMERGENCY 1 stage. Check the restrictions in this stage here. (only in Catalan and Spanish).

 

Security

Barcelona is a friendly and safe city, with a relatively low rate of crime compared to other big cities.

Have a look at the document "Tips to stay safe and respect others" with safety advice and tips for peaceful coexistence, especially useful for tourist and newcomers and published in 6 languages: Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Chinese and Japanese.

In Barcelona, you can avoid many incidents by taking common-sense precautions, such as looking after your belongings. As in any other part of the world, pickpockets concentrate in places frequented by tourists, attempting to take advantage of any lapse of attention from visitors, or in crowded public areas, such as metro stations, public areas and monuments.

When it comes to security, surveillance in Barcelona falls to the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan government police) and the Guardia Urbana (city police).

If you need to contact either of these police forces, you can do so by calling the emergencies telephone number or visiting your nearest police station.

 

Emergencies

112 is the phone number for medical, rescue, fire-extinguishing or civil defence or police protection emergencies.

As in other cities, this is the number through which all the services are coordinated and attended to. The service is in operation 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Calls are free.

 

Citizens information

If you need to know a street’s location, more about the city’s cultural diary and general information on the city, go to the following website.

If you wish to carry out an administrative formality, report a complaint or incident or request a service, you have several channels at your disposal for contacting Barcelona City Council.

To find out about the assistance channels, please consult the following website.

By telephone

For consultations and information requests, the number is 010 and calls are free from Barcelona and the municipalities within the metropolitan area. If you are calling from outside the metropolitan area, call 931 537 010 (normal rate).

If you would like to make a complaint or suggestion about the running of the municipal services, such as the cleaning or maintenance of public spaces, you can call the number for all these matters (civic behaviour) on 900 226 226.

In person

You can visit one of the citizen help and information offices (OAC) that are located throughout the city.

Staff in Plaça de Sant Miquel, next to the City Hall, and in Monumental offices will assist you and offer you help in several languages.

If you would like to deal with a formality at any of these offices you will need to book an appointment in advance. You can do so online from the “Appointments with Barcelona City Council” page (only in Catalan).

You can also book an appointment by calling 010 (calls are free), if you are in the city. OACs also give you access to municipal social networks and the day's press, among other resources.

 

Catalonia Citizens Information

Citizens can obtain information of interest on the Government of Catalonia's website.

Call 012 if you are in Catalonia or 932 142 124 if you are anywhere else in Spain.