MANRESA, Spain — Residents of Manresa, the capital of Catalonia’s Bages region, have lived in fear for months due to a violent group of teenagers of Moroccan origin, who have carried out a string of assaults and robberies throughout the city, prompting an intensified police response that has resulted in 35 arrests in a single month, according to official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra.
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Between March 27 and April 30, specialized police units detained 19 adolescents—12 minors and 7 adults—all belonging to the same cultural social circle and known for operating in groups with significant aggression. The arrests relate to violent robberies, assault offenses, and obstruction of justice charges, reflecting a pattern of coordinated criminal behavior that has unsettled communities across the city.
“The level of violence displayed by this group is deeply concerning,” said a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra. “Our priority is protecting victims, preventing further crimes, and ensuring that those responsible face appropriate consequences under the law.”
The group’s tactics typically involve surrounding victims in public spaces, using overwhelming numbers to intimidate and assault them before stealing personal belongings. In one incident on Passeig Pere III near Plaza España, approximately ten individuals attacked a victim, beating him before taking his athletic shoes and cap. On the same day, the group targeted a classmate of one of their members on Avinguda de les Bases, pursuing him outside a secondary school, assaulting him, and destroying his mobile phone and headphones.
When a bystander attempted to intervene and prevent the assault, he too was beaten and robbed of his glasses and sneakers. His partner, who tried to protect him, also sustained injuries during the confrontation. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the group moved through public spaces with apparent disregard for consequences.
Despite the repeated detentions, sources familiar with the investigation note that many of the youths have entered and exited police custody with a perceived sense of impunity, accumulating extensive prior records while continuing their criminal activity. Under Spanish juvenile justice law, individuals aged 14 to 18 are processed through specialized courts that emphasize rehabilitation alongside accountability, though serious or repeated offenses can result in placement in juvenile detention facilities.
To address the escalating situation, the Mossos d’Esquadra has deployed coordinated resources from multiple specialized units, including the Urban Delinquency Group, the Citizen Security Unit, and the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Group. These teams have increased visible patrols in high-traffic areas, conducted targeted operations based on intelligence gathering, and worked to engage with at-risk youth through preventive outreach.
“We are committed to a dual approach: firm enforcement against criminal behavior and proactive prevention to steer young people away from destructive paths,” the police spokesperson added. “Community cooperation is essential to this effort.”
Les 35 detencions en un sol mes del mateix grup d’origen magrebí a #Manresa evidencien el fracàs estrepitós de les polítiques d’integració i multiculturalisme. Això no és diversitat, sinó la importació de violència i delinqüència incompatible amb la nostra societat. L’expulsió… https://t.co/Q3vK6HQOce
— Joan Terré 💙🏴 (@JoanTerre) May 13, 2026
Manresa, a city of approximately 80,000 residents located about 65 kilometers northwest of Barcelona, is generally considered a quiet, family-oriented community. The recent surge in youth-related violence has prompted renewed attention to public safety strategies and the underlying social factors that may contribute to juvenile delinquency.
“We love our city, and we want our children to feel safe walking the streets,” said one resident who requested anonymity. “It’s frightening to see this level of aggression, but we trust that the police are doing everything they can to address it.”
Local officials have emphasized that incidents of this nature, while deeply troubling, involve a specific segment of the youth population. “The vast majority of young people in Manresa are respectful, engaged, and contribute positively to our community,” said a representative from the city council. “We are working with schools, social services, and families to ensure that every young person has access to opportunities that support their well-being and development.”
Legal experts note that addressing persistent juvenile offending requires balancing accountability with rehabilitation, particularly when underlying factors such as family instability, educational disengagement, or socioeconomic marginalization may play a role. “Punishment alone rarely changes long-term behavior,” said a Barcelona-based juvenile justice analyst who requested anonymity. “Effective interventions combine clear consequences with support services that address root causes.”
For victims of the assaults and robberies, the aftermath involves not only physical recovery but also emotional support. Catalonia’s victim assistance programs offer counseling, legal guidance, and practical help to individuals affected by violent crime. Local organizations have reached out to provide resources and ensure that those harmed have access to the care they need.
As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to residents and witnesses with relevant information to come forward. Even seemingly minor details—such as descriptions of individuals, directions of travel, or distinctive clothing—can prove valuable in identifying suspects and preventing future incidents.
The Mossos d’Esquadra has indicated that specialized operations in Manresa will continue as long as necessary to reduce criminal recurrence and protect public safety. Further updates regarding additional arrests, judicial proceedings, and community prevention initiatives are expected as authorities advance their efforts to address this complex challenge.
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Note: This report is based on official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra, verified local media accounts, and municipal sources. The identities of minors involved—whether as suspects or victims—have been withheld in accordance with Spanish legal protections for juveniles. All individuals mentioned in connection with criminal activity are presumed innocent until proven guilty under judicial proceedings.
Reporting from Manresa. Additional contributions from Barcelona-based public safety correspondents and juvenile justice analysts.
