Crime rates are generally on the increase in Andalucia according to IEASA (Instituto de Estudio Andaluces) and public safety, or lack thereof, has become the second major concern in the region after unemployment. However, Nerja appears to be an exception to the rule with, according to the latest figures, an overall 18% fall in crime during 2009.
During 2009, 32 people were detained for various crimes within the municipality. In 2008 the figure was 83, which in turn was 14% less than the previous year.
Complaints to the authorities, such as for noise, street drinking etc, fell by 48% in 2009 from 94 cases to 49. Arrests in connection with the carrying of knives and stabbing incidents fell by 30% during 2009, with 7 cases being recorded.
Two areas where the figures remain virtually static relate to drug-related interventions and the recovery of stolen vehicles. Four stolen vehicles were recovered during 2009, the same as in 2008, and drug-related interventions in 2009 were 25 cases compared to 23 in 2008.