{"id":1818,"date":"2020-04-08T01:01:50","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T23:01:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/?p=1818"},"modified":"2026-07-02T08:32:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T06:32:04","slug":"pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/country-crime-delinquency-security\/","title":{"rendered":"Andorra, country without crime or delinquency"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As we saw in <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/brief-history-of-andorras-independence\/\">the article on the history of Andorra<\/a>, the Principality has traditionally been a <strong>example of peace and warlike neutrality<\/strong>. Since the signing of the \u00abPariatges\u00bb and especially since the creation of the Earth Council in 1419, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, Andorra has lived in complete peace and neutrality, although it has been <strong>possession of different counts, bishops and monarchs during his feudal period<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group datos-clave\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key data (2025\u20132026)<\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Global Peace Index:<\/strong> Andorra in the top 5 most peaceful countries in the world<\/li>\n<li><strong>Annually recorded crimes:<\/strong> less than 500 (mostly minor infractions)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Police officers:<\/strong> approximately 240 agents (Andorra Police)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prison sentences:<\/strong> maximum 30 years (without the death penalty)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><em>Source: Global Peace Index \/ Andorran Police<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ultima-actualizacion\"><strong>Last update:<\/strong> June 2026. The information in this article is regularly checked against official sources from the Government of Andorra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is totally remarkable that even during conflicts as severe and deadly as those of the nobility and clergy of the 16th century, the war of Spanish succession, the Napoleonic wars, the First World War, the coup d'etat of 1936 and the subsequent Francoist and the second world war Andorra has ceased to be neutral. <strong>The Principality's pacifism has continued even in the worst events and events in history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article we will address a question quite related to this fact: <strong>the null criminality and delinquency of Andorra<\/strong>. Of course and as always, explaining the causes, conditions and reasons why this absence of crime occurs and offering arguments. Before starting, it should be noted that Andorran security becomes even more important when we remember that <strong>The Principality hosts more than each year <strong>9.6 million tourists<\/strong> (2024 data) from all over the world, and people of all nationalities and cultures live together there daily<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crime and homicides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Andorra is one of the states with the lowest crime rate per inhabitant<\/strong>, according to data from institutions such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osce.org\/odihr\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)<\/a> within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unov.org\/unov\/es\/unodc.html\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime<\/a> or the C<a href=\"https:\/\/unece.org\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">united Nations Economic Failure for Europe (UNECE)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/knoema.es\/atlas\/Andorra\/topics\/Estad%C3%ADstica-criminal\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Using data from the Knoema World Data Atlas<\/a>, if we look at the homicide data, <strong>from 2004 to 2015 there were only three homicidal crimes<\/strong>: one in 2004, one in 2008 and one in 2011, thus leaving a rate for every 100,000 inhabitants between zero and 1.2, depending on the year considered, and achieving an average rate of 0.37 homicides. To contrast, for example, France in that same period had an average of approximately 1.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, and Spain around 0.9 crime rate. Of those three homicides, only the 2008 crime was with a firearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crime: robberies, attacks and rapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being <strong>Andorra one of the safest countries in the world<\/strong> according <a href=\"https:\/\/dataunodc.un.org\/content\/Country-profile?country=Andorra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">uNODC statistics<\/a>, basic delinquency is also quite limited. Between 2007 and 2011, robberies in establishments (supermarkets, houses, shops, etc.) in the Principality averaged around 130 robberies per year, while from 2012 to 2015 the incidents dropped to an average of 80-90 per year. This gives us a rate of about 100-200 robberies per 100,000 inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding personal robberies (purse, wallet, etc.) the value moved between 4 and 13 annually between 2007 and 2015, the average being less than 10. Personal attacks, however, were between 80 and 150 annual crime events , with an average of 120-130 attacks per year. Violations, for their part, vary according to the year between 1 and 6 in the same period, although the average is less than three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">World Bank indicators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The World Bank also publishes the so-called \"Country Data Report\", with indicators of <strong>delinquency, crime and institutional quality for the different countries<\/strong>. So we can <a href=\"https:\/\/documents1.worldbank.org\/curated\/en\/636341467996701027\/pdf\/105386-WP-PUBLIC-Andorra.pdf\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">access Andorra's here<\/a>, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/documents1.worldbank.org\/curated\/en\/976121467994606385\/pdf\/105571-WP-PUBLIC-Spain.pdf\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to Spain here<\/a> and compare them for the period 1996-2014. It should be noted that it is structured in indices over 100 where 100 is the country best placed on the indicator and 0 the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we can see, in the aggregate indicator called Voice and Responsibility Andorra is located between the 90th and 100th percentile every year, while Spain is between 70 and 80th. But even more remarkable is the one referring to <strong>\"Political stability and absence of violence \/ terrorism\", in which Andorra moves practically between 95 and 100, and Spain hardly ever reaches 50<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Government effectiveness and regulatory quality, on the other hand, remain, around the 90th percentile line<\/strong>, although the latter has had an anomalous fall of 77.4 in 2014. So do the indicator of the Rule of Law and the Control of Corruption, seeing in the case of Spain a continuous degradation since 2005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is the Principality of Andorra so safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We have already seen that the citizen security offered by the country is based on <strong>three basic points<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A prevailing tradition of <strong>neutrality<\/strong> warlike<\/li><li>Constant <strong>stability<\/strong> quality policy and institutions<\/li><li>Crime rates and <strong>low crime<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is worth asking why this phenomenon occurs, what makes Andorra capable of maintaining those three pillars that support the <strong>security<\/strong> and solidity that in turn provides its citizens and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neither by the police, nor by the military, nor by the penal code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A fun and counterintuitive fact is that <strong>the Principality does not have military or armed forces, nor does it have more police than other countries<\/strong>. Specifically, Andorra has about 250 police officers in the Police Corps, which results in about 300 police officers per inhabitants (at the level of Germany, Spain has 385 and France about 290). And its external defense is given in any case by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exteriores.gob.es\/Embajadas\/andorra\/es\/ViajarA\/Paginas\/Seguridad-y-otros-aspectos.aspx\" data-type=\"URL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">agreements with their neighboring countries France and Spain<\/a>, being the demilitarization of Andorra complete and very famous and known.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/policia.jpg\" alt=\"Andorra Police: security, delinquency and crime in the Principality.\" class=\"wp-image-5768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/policia.jpg 640w, https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/policia-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/policia-18x10.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Andorra Police<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Formerly, security was in the hands of the somat\u00e9n, an institution&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Catalu%C3%B1a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">catalan<\/a>&nbsp;of a parapolitical nature initiated as civil protection of crime and delinquency. This organization was called in case of need by the captains of each parish. <strong>The Police, as such, was not created until 1931, and initially had six officers<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, <strong>nor does the Andorran Penal Code have many differences<\/strong> with respect to other countries, except for the greater severity and punishment regarding the consumption, possession and trafficking of drugs and psychoactive substances. So why is there this safety circuit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Location and orography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Well indeed, <strong>one of the most influential points in security is the geographical configuration of the Andorran territory or orography<\/strong>. This fact has also helped a lot to maintain Andorra's historical stability and political neutrality, since fighting and battling in the middle of the mountains is tremendously difficult and for our ancestors an area with little potential for cultivation, cold, with great unevenness and adverse climatic conditions just didn't call. It wasn't worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, between mountains, Andorra has two unique exit borders: the French and the Spanish. As the country is also quite small and the highway and communications are almost linear, following the Valira rivers (with few forks), <strong>security is much easier to guarantee and maintain<\/strong>. The land allows the Andorran Police to carry out proximity work on the territory, and to reinforce the social control mechanisms typical of small societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the Police  controlling and prosecuting people who commit crime or crime is notably easier, as is patrolling such a limited area. <strong>All people enter and exit through two unique very specific points<\/strong>They can alert, warn and order border posts immediately when searching for a criminal or fugitive. Also <strong>tend to patrol shopping and entertainment areas and border points more frequently<\/strong>, whereby the guarantee is absolute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Barcelona, a city of insecurity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>B<strong>arcelona is already the most insecure city in Spain<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/elpais.com\/ccaa\/2019\/08\/25\/catalunya\/1566763550_709826.html\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crime, robbery, theft, street gangs and violence and crime of all kinds<\/a> they are flourishing more and more in this city, already in itself quite conflictive for the issues of independence. <a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protestas_de_Catalu\u00f1a_de_2019\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The riots of late 2019<\/a>, largely organized by the CDRs (Committees for the Defense of the Republic) were a major advance in this regard. They assumed the <strong>destruction of many premises and the closure of many others due to economic paralysis and street crime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These events that closed 2019 marked <a href=\"https:\/\/elpais.com\/economia\/2019\/12\/20\/actualidad\/1576841293_266174.html\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the new sorpasso of Madrid over Catalonia<\/a> as the community with the highest GDP in Spain. Both communities have been fighting as the first economic region since the financial crisis, when Catalonia lost its monumental advantage over Madrid. It doesn't help either <strong>constant increase in rental prices and a decrease in tourism<\/strong>, which make opening a local or business in the city a risky sport. The result is that social fragmentation, insecurity, crime and crime are replacing the open and cosmopolitan, tourist, welcoming and commercial society that Barcelona was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cosmopolitan Andorra and social cohesion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Less than two hours from Barcelona is Andorra, which <a class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/andorra-tax-haven-banking-secret\/\">although it has always been very reserved with nationality and the rights of foreigners<\/a>, it is a very cosmopolitan country. <strong>Illegal immigration is easy to control and is practically non-existent in the Principality<\/strong>, allowing diversity not to be conflictive for the cohesion of the region and avoiding crime. In fact, more than half of the Principality's population is of foreign origin and <strong>in  Andorra  people of more than a hundred nationalities with different cultures live together<\/strong>, without counting tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andorra, as it has gained experience with immigration, has adopted <strong>effective measures to guarantee the  social cohesion of its citizens<\/strong>. For example, the triple Andorran educational system, with the free choice of three free and free public systems: the French, the Spanish and the Andorran system. Or also the call <em>threshold of social cohesion<\/em>, which consists of a guaranteed minimum income equivalent to the minimum wage (<strong>1,376.17 euros per month in 2025<\/strong>In other words, all people with monthly incomes below that figure are entitled to apply for social benefits until they reach that amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also the <strong>cooperation with neighboring countries in both police, judicial and fiscal, social, cultural and educational matters<\/strong> it has allowed a very stable relationship between them, contributing even more to this social cohesion, security and international cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strict laws for residents and tourists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, <strong>the Principality's immigration laws also make it one of the safest countries in the world<\/strong>. They establish, with the aim of prevention, the administrative expulsion from Andorran territory of people who represent a risk to the security of the State, people or property, as well as to public order. They also demand <strong>to be able to reside and live in Andorra, that the interested party proves that it does not represent any risk to the security of the State<\/strong>, of persons or property or for public order, in addition to the criminal record certificate of their countries of residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this and many other things it is important to carry out the <strong>transfer and establishment in Andorra by the hand of good experts in Law and Taxation, both nationally and internationally<\/strong>, to ensure strict compliance with Andorran legislation. At Andorra Insiders we collaborate with the best lawyers, prosecutors and economists who know first-hand the laws of both the Principality and the other countries of the world, as well as International Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/contact-email-location\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Contacting us<\/a>, and after explaining your specific case, we will send you <strong>a proposal for your particular case, offering you only the legal, tax and accounting services you need for your situation and context<\/strong>. In addition, we provide comprehensive support, accompanying you at all times of the process: from your first doubts and questions to guiding you in your first activities in the Principality. <a href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/andorran-tax-advisor-consulting-services\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">You can find out about our dispatch services here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group fuentes-autoridad\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official sources<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.estadistica.ad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Security and crime statistics<\/a> \u2014 Department of Statistics of Andorra<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policia.ad\/ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andorra Police Corps<\/a> \u2014 Government of Andorra<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/maps\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Global Peace Index \u2014 world ranking<\/a> \u2014 Institute for Economics &amp; Peace<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articulos-relacionados\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related articles<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/residency-immigration-living\/\">Residency in Andorra: life and security<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/cost-of-living-in-andorra\/\">Cost of living in Andorra: quality and safety<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/the-7-parishes-of-the-principality-of-andorra\/\">The 7 parishes: safety and quality of life<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"\\u00bfEs seguro vivir en Andorra?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"S\\u00ed. Andorra es uno de los pa\\u00edses m\\u00e1s seguros del mundo. Seg\\u00fan el Global Peace Index 2024, Andorra se sit\\u00faa consistentemente entre los 10 pa\\u00edses m\\u00e1s pac\\u00edficos del mundo. La tasa de criminalidad es muy baja, pr\\u00e1cticamente no existe delincuencia organizada, y la tasa de homicidios es inferior a 0,5 por 100.000 habitantes (una de las m\\u00e1s bajas del mundo). La polic\\u00eda andorrana (Cos de Policia d'Andorra) tiene unos 250 efectivos para 77.000 habitantes.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"\\u00bfHay robos o inseguridad en Andorra?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Los delitos m\\u00e1s frecuentes en Andorra son robos en veh\\u00edculos y hurtos menores, especialmente en temporada tur\\u00edstica alta. Los delitos violentos son rar\\u00edsimos. Las ciudades andorranas no tienen zonas peligrosas conocidas. La seguridad es un argumento frecuente entre las familias que eligen Andorra como residencia, especialmente comparando con ciudades espa\\u00f1olas de tama\\u00f1o equivalente.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad\\\/\",\n    \"speakable\": {\n        \"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\",\n        \"cssSelector\": [\n            \".entry-title\",\n            \".entry-content > p:first-of-type\",\n            \".entry-content h2\"\n        ]\n    }\n}<\/script>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"Article\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad\\\/#article\",\n    \"headline\": \"Andorra, pa\\u00eds sin crimen ni delincuencia\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad\\\/\",\n    \"datePublished\": \"2020-04-08\",\n    \"dateModified\": \"2026-05-08\",\n    \"author\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Person\",\n        \"name\": \"Jose Sanchis\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/author\\\/insider\\\/\"\n    },\n    \"publisher\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n        \"name\": \"Andorra Insiders\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\",\n        \"logo\": {\n            \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/09\\\/andorra-insiders-logo.png\"\n        }\n    },\n    \"inLanguage\": \"es\",\n    \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n        \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad\\\/\"\n    },\n    \"keywords\": \"seguridad Andorra, criminalidad baja, pa\\u00eds seguro, delincuencia Andorra\",\n    \"about\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n            \"name\": \"Policia d'Andorra\"\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n            \"name\": \"Global Peace Index\"\n        }\n    ],\n    \"citation\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"CreativeWork\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/www.visionofhumanity.org\\\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Global Peace Index \\u2014 Andorra ranking\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Institute for Economics and Peace\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"CreativeWork\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/www.policia.ad\\\/\",\n            \"name\": \"Policia d'Andorra \\u2014 estad\\u00edstiques criminalitat\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Policia d'Andorra\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it safe to live in Andorra? A debate on safety<\/h2>\n\n\n<h2>The perception of safety in Andorra in the face of unusual incidents<\/h2>\n\n<p>For anyone planning a life change, the tranquility of their chosen destination is a top priority. Traditionally, the <strong>security in Andorra<\/strong> This has been one of the most attractive factors for families, businesspeople, and professionals from all over the world who decide to settle in the Principality. With historically near-zero crime rates, the feeling of walking down any street in the early hours of the morning without a care in the world is a luxury that few European countries can currently offer. That&#039;s why, when a violent incident occurs on Andorran soil, it immediately makes headlines and generates enormous public outcry.<\/p>\n\n<p>Recently, during the Encamp Village Festival celebrations, a serious altercation occurred that has alarmed the public. The physical assault suffered by the general councilor, <strong>Pere Marsenyach<\/strong>While attempting to mediate a youth fight, he has sparked an unusual yet necessary debate in the country. Are we witnessing a paradigm shift in the Principality? Is it really happening? <strong>Is it safe to live in Andorra?<\/strong> Are we facing a degradation of coexistence today?<\/p>\n\n<p>In this article we will analyze with complete transparency and rigor the details of this worrying incident, the political and social reactions, and we will put the country&#039;s crime data into context to assess whether Andorra&#039;s legendary tranquility is in danger or whether, on the contrary, this event represents an exception that proves the rule.<\/p>\n\n<h2>The events in Encamp: What exactly happened to councilor Pere Marsenyach?<\/h2>\n\n<p>To understand the magnitude of the news, it&#039;s necessary to go back to the early hours of last Sunday, during the patron saint festivities in the parish of Encamp. What should have been a weekend of community celebration and relaxation ended up becoming the scene of several physical assaults. Hours before the main incident, a 21-year-old man\u2014a friend of the general councilor&#039;s nephew\u2014was involved in an altercation. <strong>Pere Marsenyach Encamp<\/strong>\u2014 was the victim of a brutal beating by a group of young people. This first attack generated understandable outrage among the victim&#039;s circle.<\/p>\n\n<p>Given the evident increase in tension and the fear of a repeat of the incidents as an act of revenge, several people tried to mediate. Pere Marsenyach himself, who was present not in his capacity as a political representative of Democrats for Andorra, but in his personal capacity as a father and uncle, attempted to calm the indignant young people. <em>&quot;I used to say, &#039;Don&#039;t hit anyone, because nothing is solved by hitting people.&#039;&quot;<\/em>The politician later recounted that the atmosphere was becoming extremely hostile as the hours passed.<\/p>\n\n<p>Despite attempts at dialogue, mediation proved fruitless. Seeing that the argument among a group of young people was escalating dangerously, Marsenyach approached to try to de-escalate the situation before it worsened. It was at that precise moment that a new, tumultuous fight broke out, during which the councilor was physically assaulted. <strong>&quot;I ended up on the ground in ten seconds.&quot;<\/strong>&quot;The politician from Encamp described it directly.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Due to the high adrenaline rush of the moment, the councilor was not immediately aware of the severity of his injuries and decided to return home that same night without filing a complaint. However, the following day he went to the hospital for a detailed medical examination. The medical diagnosis confirmed a <strong>non-displaced nasal fracture<\/strong>In addition to severe rib contusions, which, he says, continue to be the source of the most pain and physical discomfort in his recovery.<\/p>\n\n<p>Yesterday, Monday, Marsenyach filed a formal complaint with the police. Thanks to the swift cooperation of the public, three of the alleged assailants have already been identified from a group estimated to consist of six or seven people. Police investigations indicate that the suspects belong to a gang or informal group known locally as &quot;El Bloque&quot; (The Block).<\/p>\n\n<h2>Is youth violence on the rise in Andorra?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Beyond the physical harm suffered by the politician from Encamp, what has resonated most deeply in Andorran society is the profound concern expressed by Marsenyach regarding the apparent normalization of the <strong>youth violence Andorra<\/strong>The councilor openly lamented that these aggressors act without any scruples: <em>&quot;These guys will hit anyone, they don&#039;t care at all.&quot;<\/em>This defiant and uninhibited attitude towards authority and the physical integrity of others is a very unusual phenomenon in the Principality and has sparked family debates.<\/p>\n\n<p>The psychological impact of these events on teenagers in the parish is another critical aspect that should not be underestimated. Marsenyach warned that many young people are beginning to feel afraid to enjoy nightlife in their own communities. <strong>&quot;The children get scared and don&#039;t want to go out anymore.&quot;<\/em><\/strong>This loss of freedom and tranquility among minors is unacceptable for a society accustomed to a completely safe and peaceful environment.<\/p>\n\n<p>The institutional response was swift. The head of the Andorran government, Xavier Espot, strongly condemned the violent acts in Encamp and proactively announced that security measures and police presence would be drastically reinforced for upcoming events and public festivals this summer. For its part, the Encamp Town Council described the incidents as &quot;isolated events&quot; that should in no way tarnish the inclusive and festive spirit of the parish, which brought together thousands of people for cultural and leisure activities without any further incidents.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Security comparison: Andorra versus Spain and other European Union countries<\/h2>\n\n<p>For a foreigner considering a move to the Principality, it is crucial to put this event into perspective. When discussing the <strong>crime in Andorra<\/strong>It is vital to understand that the measurement scales are radically different from those of neighboring countries such as Spain or France.<\/p>\n\n<p>Various international rankings consistently place Andorra among the five safest countries in the world, alongside nations like Singapore, Iceland, and Japan. While in neighboring major cities such as Barcelona, Toulouse, and Madrid, crimes like theft, robbery, assault in public, and the presence of organized gangs are part of the daily police statistics, in Andorra these incidents are extremely rare.<\/p>\n\n<p>What explains this enormous difference in levels of citizen security? Three key structural factors can be identified:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n    <li><strong>A highly efficient and visible police force:<\/strong> The Andorra Police Service has a ratio of officers per inhabitant far higher than the European Union average, allowing for constant proximity surveillance and an immediate response speed to any emergency call.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Strict border control:<\/strong> As it is not part of the Schengen Area (although it maintains free transit agreements), Andorra retains active customs controls at its only two land borders (Spain and France). This greatly hinders the entry of common criminals and facilitates the control of cross-border crime.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Extremely strict criminal and immigration laws:<\/strong> Andorran law is strict regarding repeat offenders and violent crimes committed by foreign nationals. Any non-citizen who commits a serious crime in the country faces not only prison sentences, but also immediate expulsion from the national territory and a ban on re-entry, which acts as an undeniably effective deterrent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>That is why, despite the unpleasant incident in Encamp involving members of a troubled group, daily life in the country remains unchanged. The possibility of leaving the car unlocked briefly, children walking to school alone, or taking a leisurely stroll through nature continues to be the everyday reality in Andorra&#039;s seven parishes.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Is it safe for a foreigner to live in Andorra in the future?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The attack suffered by Pere Marsenyach reminds us that no society in the world, however prosperous and well-controlled, is completely immune to sporadic outbreaks of incivility or violence. However, a country&#039;s true strength lies not in the total absence of problems, but in its capacity to react decisively, swiftly, and transparently to them.<\/p>\n\n<p>In this respect, the mechanisms of the Andorran state have functioned with their usual precision. The police acted swiftly to identify the alleged aggressors thanks to the testimony of citizens present at the scene of the altercation, and the judiciary is already investigating the case to apply the appropriate sanctions to the full extent of the law. There is no climate of impunity on the streets of Andorra, which discourages the proliferation of criminal behavior imitating youth gangs in other countries.<\/p>\n\n<p>For an expat or someone considering establishing tax or family residency in the Principality, the answer remains a resounding yes: <strong>Is it safe to live in Andorra?<\/strong>The model of social cohesion, coupled with a virtually non-existent unemployment rate and first-rate public services, guarantees that the Principality continues to be one of the most solid and stable havens of peace on the European continent.<\/p>\n\n<p>The events in Encamp have served to prevent local institutions from becoming complacent and to strengthen prevention efforts for the future, demonstrating that the safety of their residents and citizens is a sacred value that is not up for negotiation.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n\n<h3>Is it dangerous to go out at night in the entertainment areas of Andorra?<\/h3>\n<p>No, not at all. Nightlife areas in Andorra are extremely safe compared to any European city. Physical altercations or fights are extremely rare and are usually linked to very specific incidents during local summer festivities, when alcohol consumption temporarily increases.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Is there organized crime or street gangs in the Principality?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no established organized crime in Andorra. The police maintain very strict control over any suspicious group. The group mentioned in the recent incidents in Encamp, calling itself &quot;El Bloque&quot; (The Block), is made up of local youths who have already been identified and are under surveillance by the security forces, preventing them from escalating into structured criminal gangs.<\/p>\n\n<h3>What are the legal consequences for those who commit acts of violence in Andorra?<\/h3>\n<p>Andorra strictly enforces its Penal Code. Assault offenses carry severe prison sentences. Furthermore, for foreign residents who commit violent crimes, the law provides for the immediate revocation of their residence permit and expulsion from Andorran territory\u2014a highly effective deterrent to crime.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Are you thinking of moving to Andorra and want to know more about the quality of life and residency requirements?<\/strong> Get in touch with our advisors at Andorra Insiders to resolve all your questions about security, taxes, and daily life in the Principality. We&#039;ll be happy to guide you every step of the way in your new life project.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Security in Andorra: How the Police Combat Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n<h2>The reality of security in Andorra and recent events<\/h2>\n\n<p>If you&#039;re thinking about making a change in your life, relocating your business, or moving with your family, the <strong>security in Andorra<\/strong> This is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in your decision. It&#039;s no secret: the Principality is internationally renowned as one of the safest and most peaceful places on the planet. It boasts a virtually nonexistent crime rate compared to major European cities. However, &quot;safe&quot; doesn&#039;t mean &quot;immune&quot; to isolated criminal attempts, and it&#039;s precisely how the country responds to these situations that makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n<p>A clear example of this occurred recently, on June 18, 2026. Two young men, allegedly linked to organized crime networks, attempted to rob a well-known gold buying business in the parish of Escaldes-Engordany. The method they chose was the classic &quot;distraction theft,&quot; a technique frequently used by outside groups seeking to exploit the trust of local business owners.<\/p>\n\n<p>Although the incident remained just an attempt thanks to the quick action and wariness of the employees, the news spread rapidly. In any large city in a neighboring country, a petty theft attempt in a store would barely fill a line in a weekly police report. In Andorra, however, an incident of this nature immediately triggers all the alarms of the public security system. This extreme sensitivity to the slightest suspicion of <strong>crime in Andorra<\/strong> It is, paradoxically, the greatest guarantee that the country will remain an oasis of tranquility for all its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n<h2>&quot;Distraction theft&quot;: How do itinerant gangs operate?<\/h2>\n\n<p>To understand exactly what happened and how we can protect ourselves if we run a business in the Principality, it is essential to understand the mechanics of so-called &quot;distraction theft.&quot; This type of crime is not characterized by the use of physical violence or armed intimidation, but rather by cunning, psychological manipulation, and speed of execution.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>itinerant bands Andorra<\/strong> They are not usually based in the country. They are organized groups that cross borders from Spain or France, carry out quick robbery campaigns, and leave the country again before the authorities can effectively locate them. <em>modus operandi<\/em> The pattern detected in Escaldes-Engordany by these two young people follows a very clear pattern:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><strong>Building trust:<\/strong> The criminals enter the establishment with a polite attitude, dressed appropriately so as not to raise suspicions and pretending to have high purchasing power.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Interest in exclusive pieces:<\/strong> They request to see high-value items, such as heavy jewelry, high-end watches, or gold bars, arguing that they want to make a major purchase immediately.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>The key distraction:<\/strong> While the clerk displays the samples or looks for more options in the back room, the criminals take advantage of any carelessness (a simulated phone call, a confusing question or a request for a glass of water) to skillfully hide some of the pieces.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>The justified escape:<\/strong> Once they have the loot in their possession, or if they see the situation getting complicated, they claim they need to step out for a moment to a nearby ATM or find the remaining cash to complete the transaction. Of course, they never return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>This time, the target was a gold buying shop, but these types of gangs usually focus on jewelry stores and luxury electronics shops on the well-known Meritxell Avenue or Carlemany Avenue. The fact that Andorra has borders monitored by customs officials means these criminals have very little room to maneuver, since any police alert can cut off their escape routes in a matter of minutes.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Key differences: The case of theft versus the &quot;fake gold&quot; scam<\/h2>\n\n<p>It is very common for rumors or confusion to arise among residents and business owners when incidents involving precious metals occur in such a small territory. For this reason, the <strong>andorra police<\/strong> It has been quick to issue a clarifying statement: this attempted theft by distraction has absolutely no relation to the fraud cases detected weeks ago.<\/p>\n\n<p>To maintain the calm and transparency that characterize the Principality, it is important to clearly differentiate between the two events:<\/p>\n\n<ol>\n  <li><strong>The current attempted theft:<\/strong> This was an attempted robbery taking advantage of the clerk&#039;s inattention. The criminals wanted to steal real gold from the store without paying for it.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>The &quot;fake gold&quot; scam:<\/strong> A similar incident, which occurred weeks earlier, involved a technical scam. On that occasion, individuals attempted to sell pieces of iron that were either heavily plated or chemically treated as if they were solid, high-purity gold. This scam sought to exploit potentially insufficient controls or the lack of advanced verification equipment in some Andorran businesses to fraudulently obtain laundered money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p>Making this distinction is vital for the expat and entrepreneurial community who decide <strong>living safely in Andorra<\/strong>We are not facing a wave of violent crime nor a structural failure of the system, but rather specific security challenges that receive an immediate technical and informational response from the authorities.<\/p>\n\n<h2>The rapid response of the Andorran Police and the commercial alert network<\/h2>\n\n<p>Why is the Andorran system so effective at combating these situations? The key lies in active prevention and excellent two-way communication between civil society, businesses, and the state security forces.<\/p>\n\n<p>As soon as the affected establishment in Escaldes-Engordany detected the suspicious behavior of the two young men and raised the alarm, the <strong>andorra police<\/strong> A very strict prevention protocol was activated. Instead of limiting the investigation to simply taking a passive complaint, the officers proceeded to:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Immediately disseminate an internal and external alert to all businesses in the jewelry, watchmaking and gold buying sector in the busiest commercial areas.<\/li>\n  <li>Provide accurate physical descriptions of the suspects so that employees could take extra precautions and avoid displaying high-value merchandise if these individuals appeared in their premises.<\/li>\n  <li>Increase preventive patrols, both plainclothes and uniformed, in the main commercial areas of the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>This level of involvement and coordination is the real reason why organized crime rarely succeeds in Andorra. Criminals entering the country encounter a hyper-connected community, a highly technological police force, and a territory closely monitored by state-of-the-art security cameras connected in real time.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Is it still safe to live in Andorra as a foreigner?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The short and resounding answer is <strong>Yeah<\/strong>For any foreigner coming from complex urban environments in Latin America or from major European capitals such as Madrid, Barcelona, Paris or London, the security standards offered by the Principality of Andorra still seem like science fiction.<\/p>\n\n<p>The feeling of being able to walk peacefully through deserted streets at any hour of the night, leave your car unlocked while you buy bread, or run a street-level business without fear of violent robbery is an intangible asset that few places in the world can match. Events like this attempted theft by these young people only serve to demonstrate that the country&#039;s security measures work perfectly when put to the test.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you&#039;re a new resident, opening a customer-facing business, or simply handling valuables in the country, here are some simple guidelines to help you maintain a pristine environment:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><strong>Stay in touch with your community:<\/strong> Find out about the official commercial communication channels of your parish and the alerts issued by the local police.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Invest in basic verification systems:<\/strong> If your business deals with metals or luxury goods, having clear video surveillance systems and authenticity verification tools will immediately deter any infringer.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Don&#039;t let your guard down due to overconfidence:<\/strong> Living in an extremely safe country can sometimes lead us to neglect our belongings. Using basic common sense is the best preventative measure available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Andorra continues to position itself as a haven of peace, stability and well-being, where the security of its citizens and businesses is a non-negotiable national priority.<\/p>\n\n<!-- FAQ Schema Markup -->\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><strong>Are you planning to move your residence, family, or business to Andorra and want to know all the details about the country&#039;s lifestyle, taxation, and security?<\/strong> Get in touch with our expert advisors for personalized guidance and take the step with complete peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n    \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n            \"position\": 1,\n            \"name\": \"Inicio\",\n            \"item\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\"\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n            \"position\": 2,\n            \"name\": \"Informaci\\u00f3n y noticias\",\n            \"item\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/category\\\/informacion-y-noticias\\\/\"\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n            \"position\": 3,\n            \"name\": \"Andorra, pa\\u00eds sin crimen ni delincuencia\",\n            \"item\": \"https:\\\/\\\/andorrainsiders.com\\\/pais-delincuencia-crimen-seguridad\\\/\"\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we saw in the article on the history of Andorra, the Principality has traditionally been an example of peace and warlike neutrality. Since the signing of the \u00abPariatges\u00bb and especially since the creation of the Earth Council in 1419, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, Andorra has lived in complete &amp; # 8230; <a title=\"Andorra, country without crime or delinquency\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/country-crime-delinquency-security\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Andorra, a country without crime or delinquency\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[163,47],"tags":[22,165,166,164,167,168,171,169,176,172,152,170],"class_list":["post-1818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seguridad","category-informacion-y-noticias","tag-andorra","tag-crimen","tag-criminalidad","tag-delincuencia","tag-homicidios","tag-neutralidad","tag-pacifismo","tag-paz","tag-policia","tag-robos","tag-seguridad","tag-tranquilidad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1818"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11149,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions\/11149"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andorrainsiders.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}