In his new documentary series “Bertrand en patrol”, Belgian inspector Bertrand Caroy takes us to the heart of police action around the world. For this first episode, he leaves his native Hainaut and heads to Spain, where he joins the Catalan police in Barcelona.
Famous in Belgium for his nearly 30 years of experience in the field, Bertrand Caroy says he is passionate and curious to discover police working methods beyond borders. “At the police level, I think they are faced with greater crime, especially in terms of theft”he says, recalling his own experience of smartphone theft during a previous stay in Barcelona.
The challenges of the Barcelona police
Barcelona, with its 1.6 million inhabitants, is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also a hunting ground for criminals. On average, the city records 200 thefts per day, a statistic that places Barcelona as the pickpocket capital of Europe. “Barcelona is the European capital of pickpockets, with thefts committed every five minutes”he emphasizes.
“In terms of thefts, the main fear of the police is linked to attacks”explains the police officer. Indeed, snatchers are particularly active, taking advantage of the constant influx of tourists and the sometimes relaxed vigilance of visitors.
The episode highlights the strategies put in place by the Mossos to fight against theft. Caroy, part of a plainclothes team, observes pickpocket control operations on La Rambla. The unit’s bikers play a key role in securing the scene, helping to apprehend suspects before they can flee. Perpetrators of violent thefts face prison sentences of up to three years.
Drug trafficking: a major issue
During his immersion with the Mossos d’Esquadra, Caroy notices that crime is not limited to simple thefts, but extends to violent attacks and a growing scourge: drug trafficking. In La Jonquera, on the French-Spanish border, he discovered the scale of the traffic: “This sector is a strategic axis for traffickers, where the police must deal with violent crime.” The area, renowned for its high crime rate, is a hub for drug dealers, who exploit the proximity to France to sell their merchandise.
The police in this region, with a ratio of 150 officers for 3,000 residents, must redouble their efforts to stem the phenomenon. “Drugs are a big problem here in Barcelona and in Spain”declares Bertrnad Caroy. “Drug dealers constantly play cat and mouse with law enforcement, making the situation even more complex”.
High-risk operations
Bertrand Caroy also becomes acquainted with the Special Units Group (GEI), specialized in high-risk interventions.
With a terrorist threat level rated at four out of five, these elite police officers are preparing for crucial operations, particularly those linked to terrorism and organized crime. “The equipment is heavy and precise; every detail counts to avoid accidents”he explains.
Another facet of this immersion leads him to meet an underground police team, responsible for securing the city’s sewers, particularly in preparation for the visit of the Queen of Spain. “You have to check everything down to the smallest detail”insists Bertrand Caroy.
To end his adventure, Caroy meets the mountain intervention unit, responsible for providing assistance to hikers in difficulty. The diversity of missions and challenges faced by law enforcement in Spain highlights the complexity of their work. “This experience allowed me to understand the unique challenges of the Spanish police and their way of managing ever-changing crime”concludes Bertrand Caroy.
Find “Bertrand en patrol” every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on RTL tvi and streaming on RTL play.
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