Sexual Offences Rise 59% in Orihuela Despite Fall in Overall Crime
Almoradí recorded a sharp rise in reported offences, while Torrevieja’s overall total fell despite three recorded homicides. Reported sexual offences in Orihuela rose by 58.8% in the first half of 2026, even as the municipality’s overall crime total fell, according to figures from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior. Police recorded 27 offences against sexual freedom […] The post Sexual Offences…
In the first half of 2026, the municipality of Orihuela experienced a significant surge in reported sexual offences, with a 58.8% increase, according to data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior. This rise occurred despite a decline in the overall crime total for the municipality. Police reported 27 sexual offences between January and June, compared to 17 in the same period the previous year.
The number of sexual assaults involving penetration increased from one to six, while other sexual offences rose from 16 to 21. Overall, Orihuela recorded 2,282 offences, a 7% decrease from 2,454 in the previous year. However, other categories, such as burglaries, vehicle thefts, and attempted homicides, saw a decline. Meanwhile, reported computer fraud offences rose from 271 to 294 cases, and drug-trafficking offences increased by 38.1%, from 21 to 29.
The Ministry suggests that the increase in recorded sexual offences might be due to a greater willingness among victims to report them. Nationally, recorded sexual offences rose by 4% over the same period. In contrast, Torrevieja saw a fall in overall crime, but an increase in homicides, with its total decreasing by 9.4% from 4,822 to 4,370 in the first half of 2026.
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