“Barcelona is the city with the highest crime rate in Spain,” ChatGPT responded, citing current figures that leave no room for doubt: In 2024, 8.56 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants were recorded in Barcelona, exceeding the crime rates of other major cities in the country.
This alarming figure, accompanied by an increase in property crimes and violent crimes, confirms a worrying perception that affects both residents and visitors.
It is important to emphasize that these data are alarming because they reveal a problem that goes beyond tourism and the cultural life that characterizes Barcelona. They point to a social challenge that manifests itself both in tourist areas and in neighborhoods where exclusion and crime are prevalent.
Analyzing the chatbot’s response requires a deeper understanding of a city that, while attractive and vibrant, faces complex realities. Barcelona is not only the jewel of the Mediterranean, but also a place where crimes—from petty theft to more serious offenses—compromise the safety of its residents.
Neighborhoods like El Raval and La Mina, which have high rates of social exclusion, contribute significantly to this problem. The precise collection and presentation of this up-to-date information by AI highlights the alarming nature of the data and its urgent need for attention.
It’s important to note that perceptions of safety can vary, both from the perspective of residents and visitors. Nevertheless, the figures speak clearly and point to a real risk—a wake-up call for authorities and society in general.
Although Barcelona stands out in the crime statistics, ChatGPT doesn’t neglect the national context: “After Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca are the cities with the highest crime rates in Spain, albeit with slightly lower figures.”
Each of these cities faces its own security challenges, and in all of them, the increase in crime and the sense of insecurity has worried citizens. However, the difference in the numbers compared to Barcelona remains significant.
The use of artificial intelligence to answer complex questions like this underscores both the value of data and the need to avoid confusing perception with reality. ChatGPT’s answer, which is based on statistics, remains an automated interpretation that depends on the quality and timeliness of the available sources.
Furthermore, crime can vary greatly between neighborhoods and districts and is not always reflected in the personal experiences of residents or visitors. Therefore, it is important to consider the context, critically examine the data, and remember that the reality of security is dynamic and influenced by various factors.
