Squatter gangs used the nationwide blackout and lower security to take over unoccupied homes in some parts of Spain.
An extended nationwide power outage has left its mark on Badalona—not only in darkness but also in a disturbing surge of illegal activity. As electricity failed across Spain for over 30 hours on Monday, opportunistic squatters targeted residential buildings in Badalona (Catalonia), reportedly occupying at least 20 properties under cover of chaos.
Lights out, doors forced open
The blackout, which began Monday and disrupted street lighting, phone services, and security systems, created an ideal environment for criminal activity. With no CCTV, faulty alarm systems and immobilised mobile networks, several groups reportedly took advantage of the situation by breaking into unoccupied flats—particularly in economically vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The illegal occupations, known locally as “okupaciones”, were concentrated in multi-unit blocks already blighted by social and maintenance challenges. Some neighbours, unable to alert police due to failed communications, witnessed the break-ins helplessly.
City Hall response and police action
Mayor Xavier García Albiol didn’t mince words, describing the incident as “a free-for-all for delinquents”. He also emphasised the need for a faster and more forceful legal response to the “okupa” phenomenon, especially in moments of crisis.
“What happened is simply outrageous,” said Albiol via a press statement. “Groups of organised individuals took advantage of the blackout to carry out illegal occupations, further complicating life in already-struggling neighbourhoods.”
The city swiftly coordinated with regional police force Mossos d’Esquadra and Badalona’s own urban police. As of Wednesday, 20 of the 22 occupied homes had been recovered following urgent coordination between security forces and City Hall.
A deeper security dilemma
The incident has reignited debate at municipal and national levels over the vulnerability of urban housing, particularly in a legal environment perceived by many across Spain as slow and inefficient in preventing or reversing squat-style occupations.
Beyond restoring electricity, Badalona’s residents now call for renewed attention to safety, infrastructure resilience, and legal mechanisms to prevent similar scenarios in future crises.
While power has now been fully restored, it’s clear that the psychological effects of the blackout linger. As one local resident put it: “The light came back, but the fear hasn’t left.”
