How safe is Madrid for residents, and where do thefts cluster?

Terms used

• Hurtos — Hurtos are thefts without violence or threat, such as pickpocketing or taking an unattended phone.
• Denuncias — A denuncia is a formal crime report made to the police, often needed for insurance or replacing documents.
• Policía Nacional — The Policía Nacional is Spain's national police force, handling crime investigation, most reports and foreigner documents.
• Policía Municipal — The Policía Municipal is the city's local police, handling traffic, local ordinances and noise.
• Cercanías — Cercanías are the commuter trains linking Madrid city with its surrounding towns.

Key rules

• Risk level: Serious crime is low in Madrid, and most problems are petty thefts.
• Hotspots: Thefts cluster in the centre, Atocha, Retiro, the Rastro and on the metro and Cercanías.
• Emergencies: Call 112 for emergencies, 091 for Policía Nacional and 092 for Policía Municipal.
• Reporting theft: Report theft to the Policía Nacional, in person or online for minor thefts.

Crime trends and the reporting process can change, so check current figures and how to file a report with the Interior Ministry and the Policía Nacional.

Is Madrid safe?

Yes. Madrid is one of Spain's safer large cities for serious crime, and its homicide rate is low. Most day-to-day problems are petty thefts (hurtos), not violence. Recent years have brought a small overall rise in recorded crime, mostly thefts, online fraud and sexual offences. Normal city habits are enough for most residents.

Where thefts cluster

Thefts bunch up where there are crowds and tourists. Take extra care in:

• The centre, especially Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor.
• Atocha station and the area around it.
• Retiro park and the Rastro flea market on Sundays.
• The metro and Cercanías commuter trains, above all at rush hour and on packed carriages.

In these places, keep your phone out of back pockets and off café tables. Wear bags in front of you and zipped. Stay alert when someone bumps you, asks for directions or offers help with a ticket machine. Quiet residential neighbourhoods see far fewer of these problems.

Who polices what

Two forces work in the city, and they do different jobs.

• Policía Nacional investigates crime and takes most crime reports (denuncias). It also handles foreigner and ID documents and public security in the city.
• Policía Municipal is the city's local force. It deals with traffic, local ordinances, noise, and support in domestic and gender-violence cases. In some matters it acts as judicial police, and it takes reports for incidents it handles and for some offences.

If something happens

Call 112 for any emergency. Call 091 to reach the Policía Nacional and 092 for the Policía Municipal.

To report a theft, go to a Policía Nacional station. For minor thefts you can also start the report online through the Policía Nacional's online reporting portal. You may then have to confirm it in person. File the report soon, because your insurer or bank will usually ask for it.

The FAQ below covers the emergency numbers and where to report.

Checking current figures

Crime numbers change from year to year. For the latest figures, look at the Interior Ministry's Balance de Criminalidad and the Madrid city Policía Municipal reports.

Frequently asked questions

Which emergency number should I call in Madrid?

For any emergency in Madrid, call 112, which works for every service. You can also call 091 for the Policía Nacional (national police) or 092 for the Policía Municipal (city police).

Where do I report a theft in Madrid?

You report a theft at a Policía Nacional station, because they take most crime reports (denuncias). For minor thefts you can start the report online through their denuncia portal, though you may need to confirm it in person afterwards.

What does the Policía Municipal handle in Madrid?

The Policía Municipal handles traffic, local rules, noise and support in domestic and gender-violence cases. It can take reports for incidents it deals with, but for most thefts go to the Policía Nacional.