New crime data from the Ministry of the Interior puts Galicia second among Spain's safest regions. The region recorded 35.3 criminal offenses per 1,000 people, well below the national average of 50.5. Only Extremadura has a lower rate.
The January-to-June figures show a mixed trend. Traditional crime in Galicia rose by 0.5%, while cybercrime fell by 1.9% compared with the same period last year. The figures are provisional. An independent review by El Español found that Galicia's overall crime rate fell by 0.2% in the first half of 2026, suggesting general stability despite shifts in some categories. The share of crimes solved in Galicia rose to 45.9% in the first half of 2026, up from 44.6% the previous year.
Crime rates differ across Galicia's provinces. Lugo has the lowest rate, at 29.4 offenses per 1,000 residents, followed by Ourense at 31.3, Pontevedra at 35.2 and A Coruña at 38.2. Safety levels vary across the region, even as the overall trend remains positive.
The Ministry's report shows most crime categories are stable or falling. Brawls are down 1.8%, crimes against sexual freedom have fallen 4.1%, and robberies with violence or intimidation are down 8%. Attempted homicides fell from 35 to 22 cases, a 37.1% decrease. Some crimes rose: sexual assaults with penetration increased from 91 to 92 cases, home burglaries are up 12.3%, vehicle thefts rose by 7.3%, and drug trafficking cases increased 3.8%. El Español says this uneven pattern is typical for Galicia, with improvements in some areas and continuing challenges in others, including burglaries and drug-related offenses.
Pedro Blanco, the Government's delegate in Galicia, credits the results to a stronger security presence. The region now has 8,929 national police officers and civil guards, 581 more than in 2019. Blanco points to the forces' daily work as a basic reason for the low crime rate and says more staff and resources are planned to sustain progress. El Español / Quincemil also reported that the official position ties improved safety to the reinforcement of security forces.
Other regions in Spain are also seeing changes in public safety and mobility. For example, Valladolid has seen a spike in traffic after cutting back on bike and bus lanes, illustrating how local policies can quickly affect daily life and security.
Data from Google/SpainAuto highlights Galicia's low crime rate and shifts among different types of offenses. The decline in cybercrime suggests targeted efforts may be working, even as some traditional crimes need more attention. The provincial breakdown also shows that safety is uneven, with A Coruña facing more issues than Lugo or Ourense.
Galicia continues to add police and resources while tracking crime trends closely. Its ability to keep crime rates among Spain's lowest, despite small increases in some categories, reflects a steady approach to public safety. Focused investment and continued attention can make a real difference for communities, the article argues.
