Sexual Assaults and Internet Scams on the Rise in Marbella
The Crime Balance report for 2023 reveals a worrying increase in sexual assaults involving penetration in the municipality of Marbella, according to the Ministry of Interior. Internet scams are also on the rise. On the other hand, the number of kidnappings has significantly decreased.
Overall Crime Rate Remains Stable
The year 2023 ended with almost the same number of criminal offenses in Marbella as in 2022, with a slight decrease of 0.1%, according to official data provided by the Ministry of Interior. These figures are provided by various police forces, both national and regional. A total of 13,658 crimes were recorded, 11 less than the previous year, resulting in a positive balance.
Surge in Cybercrimes and Sexual Assaults
Cybercrimes, particularly internet scams, continue to surge. There is also a very worrying trend of sexual assaults involving penetration, which have almost doubled. On the positive side, several crimes have decreased, especially attempted murders and kidnappings.
Unacceptable Increase in Rapes
It is particularly unacceptable that 30 rapes occurred throughout the year, compared to 16 the previous year, an increase of 87.5%. In general, crimes against sexual freedom have increased by 35%. Murders have also increased, from two to three, and there are more burglaries (5.2%) and vehicle thefts (8.8%). However, the most significant increase is in computer scams, with a rise of 123.5%, 878 more cases.
Decrease in Thefts and Attempted Murders
On the positive side, there is a 7% decrease in thefts, one of the main problems faced by tourists, especially during the summer. Attempted murders have decreased by 61% and kidnappings by 85% (from seven to just one). Drug trafficking offenses are 4% less, the same percentage decrease in robberies with violence and intimidation. Overall, conventional crime in the municipality has decreased by 8.6%, while cybercrime has skyrocketed by 95.5%.
Marbella’s Crime Rate Below National Average
In Spain, the crime rate has increased by 5.9% compared to 2022, so Marbella’s rate is significantly lower (-0.1%). Nationally, computer scams have increased by 27%, while in Marbella they have risen almost 124%. In the case of rapes, the national figure has increased by 14%, compared to 87.5% in Marbella.
