barcelona’s Mossos d’Esquadra Report a “Quieter” La Mercè Festival, Minimal Incidents
Barcelona, Spain – September 22, 2024 – Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, report a significantly calmer La Mercè festival this year, wiht minimal incidents reported during the celebrations. Increased security measures, including drone and subsoil unit deployment, contributed to the peaceful atmosphere, according to authorities.
The security operation encompassed concert venues and high-traffic downtown areas including Plaza Catalunya, Rambla del Raval, and El Moll de la Fusta. The Mossos activated the Citizen Security Unit (USC), ‘Furas‘ (rural agents), the Guilles Unit (Regional Motorcycle Group), and members of the Regional Area of Operational Resources (Arro) and the Mobile Brigade (Brimo) to clear areas post-event for cleaning crews.
Drone unit surveillance monitored crowds, particularly from Plaza España, with the Urban Guard (GUB) utilizing drones over Bogatell beach.one unauthorized drone was detected and forced to land around 9 pm. Images from both drone units were projected in the Emergency Operational Coordination Center (CECOR), integrating Mossos, GUB, Barcelona Fire Department, the Medical Emergency System (SEM), and Private Metro Surveillance.
Criminal activity primarily consisted of non-violent thefts of mobile phones and wallets, concentrated in areas like Bogatell and Maria Cristina. Agents maintained vigilance for white weapons following an incident Saturday dawn in Bogatell where a group was found carrying knives.
Random security checks were conducted at the Espanya Metro station by the ARTU unit, focusing on ticket validation, drug and weapon detection, and identifying suspicious individuals and potential “porterists” (ticket scalpers) via suburban security cameras. Sergeant Álex Martínez of the ARTU unit stated these controls are “random” and typically last an hour.
The Mossos coordinated with the Urban Guard and health services from the Red Cross and the Medical Emergency system (SEM) throughout the festival.
