Goodbye to Impunity! New Law Toughens Penalties for Theft and Petty Theft in Spain

Goodbye to Impunity! New Law Toughens Penalties for Theft and Petty Theft in Spain

Congress gives the green light to a reform that pursues multiple recidivism, increasing sentences for those who commit crimes again and again.

Citizen security and access to housing have become the great Achilles heels of Spanish society. In particular, the increasing incidence of theft and petty theft, especially in our vibrant and busy metropolises, has generated deep concern. The feeling that the law does not reach those who repeat offenses again and again is palpable, and impunity seems to be the norm.

The central problem lies in the figure of the multiple repeat offender. It is heartbreaking to come across individuals who have accumulated more than a hundred criminal records and who, however, remain free. Minor crimes allow them to enter and leave police stations in a matter of hours, without even setting foot in a court or, much less, entering prison. However, this situation is about to change radically.

Last Thursday, March 26, the Congress of Deputies took a decisive step by approving a legal reform promoted by Junts. This new regulation, focused on tackling multiple recidivism, received massive support: 272 votes in favor, compared to 71 against and 7 abstentions. Support came from political forces as diverse as the PSOE, PP, Vox, Junts, PNV and UPN, while ERC, Bildu and BNG voted against. The law was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) the next day, March 27, coming into force immediately.

From now on, small thefts and fraud will face more severe criminal consequences when committed repeatedly. The reform places special emphasis on those cases in which the author has been previously convicted of at least three crimes of the same nature, as long as one of them is considered minor.

The new legislation establishes prison sentences ranging between 6 and 18 months for cases of repetition. In addition, it contemplates sentences of 1 to 3 years in aggravated theft scenarios, particularly when the recidivism is notable or when particularly relevant assets are stolen.

One of the most notable aspects of this reform is the specific inclusion of property crimes. The theft of mobile phones or other electronic devices that may contain sensitive personal information is now considered a crime that can carry sentences of up to 3 years in prison, a direct blow to an increasingly common practice.

But the reform is not limited to the Penal Code. The Criminal Procedure Law has also been modified to expedite the adoption of precautionary measures. This includes the possibility of prohibiting the accused from accessing or residing in certain places, a fundamental tool to prevent recidivism from the early stages of the judicial process.

This long-awaited reform represents a Copernican turn in the fight against petty crime and multiple recidivism. It is hoped that it will help restore a sense of security in our cities and deter those who take advantage of legal loopholes to commit crimes with impunity.

The new law seeks to balance justice, guaranteeing that repeated acts have a proportional and effective response, thus protecting citizens and strengthening the rule of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of crimes are most affected by this reform?

Mainly small thefts and scams that are committed repeatedly.

How much background information is necessary for the new law to be applied?

The reform focuses on criminals who have been convicted of at least three crimes of the same nature, one of them being minor.

What are the established prison sentences?

Penalties of 6 to 18 months in prison are contemplated in cases of repetition, and from 1 to 3 years in aggravated cases.

Are specific crimes such as mobile theft included?

Yes, the theft of mobile phones or other devices with personal data can be punished with sentences of up to 3 years.

What changes are there in the Criminal Procedure Law?

Precautionary measures are facilitated, such as the prohibition of going to certain places, to prevent recidivism.

Who promoted this reform?

The reform was promoted by the Junts party.

When did the law come into effect?

The law came into force on March 27, 2026, the day after its publication in the BOE.

Which parties voted in favor of the reform?

PSOE, PP, Vox, Junts, PNV and UPN.

Which parties voted against?

ERC, Bildu and BNG.

Is this law expected to reduce crime?

It is hoped so, by toughening penalties for repeat offenders and deterring the commission of these crimes.

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