Surge in violent crime in Barcelona prompts calls for legal reform

Critics say many street thieves operate with impunity, leaving tourists particularly vulnerable

The Catalan government has called for tougher penalties for violent crimes after a surge in knife attacks and violent robberies in Barcelona.

Miquel Buch, the regional interior minister, said the law needed to be changed after it emerged that 90% of those charged with violence in recent months had been released on bail.