- Alicante province’s crime rate rose by 4.7% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.
- Significant increases in cybercrime and sexual offenses reported.
- Torrevieja leads with the highest crime ratio: 5 crimes per 100 residents.
- Alicante city follows closely with a 3.6 crime ratio per 100 inhabitants.
- Othre hotspots include Calpe, Benidorm, and Pilar de la Horadada.
- Some municipalities like Petrer and Mutxamel had low crime ratios, under 2 per 100 people.
Crime Rates on Costa blanca Climb: Torrevieja Tops the List in First Half of 2025
The Alicante province has experienced a noticeable uptick in crime during the first six months of 2025, with figures revealing a 4.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. this rise is highlighted by a surge in cybercrime and sexual offenses, painting a concerning picture for residents and authorities across the Costa Blanca.
Key Crime Trends Across Alicante Province
According to official data from spain’s Interior Ministry, several municipalities with populations over 20,000 have reported varying crime ratios and increases. The breakdown provides a clear view of which cities are moast affected.
| City | Total Crimes (H1 2025) | Crimes per 100 Residents | Annual Crime Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrevieja | 4,819 | 5.0 | 12.3% |
| Alicante (city) | 13,258 | 3.6 | 12.2% |
| Calpe | — | 3.58 | — |
| Benidorm | — | 3.35 | — |
| Pilar de la Horadada | — | 3.25 | — |
| Elche | 4,915 | — | 1.9% |
| Petrer | 442 | 1.3 | — |
Torrevieja: Highest Crime Ratio on Costa Blanca
As the municipality with the highest crime ratio, Torrevieja registered 5 crimes per 100 residents, totalling 4,819 offenses in just six months. This represents the steepest rise in the province,with a 12.3% increase compared to last year. The city’s surge in crime underscores growing concerns among locals, especially regarding sexual offenses and public safety issues.
Alicante City and Other Hotspots
The provincial capital Alicante remains a high-crime center, reporting 13,258 offenses in the first half of 2025, making it the city with the highest total number of crimes.Notably,Alicante has seen a 12.2% increase, with sexual offenses and street violence playing a significant role.
Other municipalities such as Calpe (3.58), Benidorm (3.35), and Pilar de la Horadada (3.25) also show higher-than-average crime ratios, indicating areas where residents should remain vigilant.
Lower Crime Rates in Some Areas
On the brighter side, certain towns have maintained comparatively low crime figures:
- Petrer: Lowest crime ratio in the province at 1.3 crimes per 100 residents.
- Mutxamel, Ibi, Novelda, Alcoy, and Villena: All recorded ratios just below 1.9 crimes per 100 population.
Cybercrime and Sexual Violence on the Rise
The Interior Ministry has emphasized that cybercrime and sexual offenses have notably increased across Alicante province. With technology becoming more embedded in daily life, cybercrime is emerging as a growing threat. Sexual violence, regrettably, also continues to rise, sparking calls for enhanced prevention measures and better victim support.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
The upward crime trend on the Costa Blanca, especially the sharp rise in Torrevieja and Alicante city, could impact community wellbeing and tourism. Authorities are likely to ramp up security initiatives, but residents and travelers are advised to stay informed and take sensible precautions.
Safety Tips for Costa Blanca:
- Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in busy urban areas.
- Keep personal belongings secure and avoid sharing sensitive info online.
- Report any suspicious activity to local police promptly.
- Use trusted transportation and avoid poorly lit or isolated places at night.
Keeping these in mind helps foster a safer environment amid rising challenges.
Conclusion
The first half of 2025 has revealed a modest but significant rise in crime rates across Alicante province, with Torrevieja emerging as the most affected area by per capita crime. The increase in cybercrime and sexual offenses is notably worrying and signals the need for authorities and communities to collaborate closely to address these challenges. Staying alert and aware remains key for safety on the gorgeous Costa Blanca.
For more detailed Costa Blanca news, visit The Olive Press.
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