So, who's been pickpocketed in Barcelona?

[stuff_it]

Someone tried to pick-pocket my bf Amsterdam many years ago, but he was too quick and grabbed the guy's hand as he pulled his wallet out! That was pretty cool. (I was next to him, so it wasn't some story he made up to impress me)

Similarly, when we were to the Canary Islands and hired a car, we parked it in Las Palmas, started to walk away, for some reason he looked back and there were 2 guys trying to break in! That man had some kind of radar! He was Irish, the boyfriend, which really doesn't explain anything, as Galway is hardly a hot bed of crime!

Someone tried to half-inch my boyfriends watch in the Dam years ago, it was a disney one - the sort you get by sending off box tops.

 

[belboid]

mrs b had a bag pinched in Barcelona on our last day there, our last hour even, as we were killing time (and not paying sufficient attention) at a cafe in one of the big touristy squares. obviously had her passport in it, which made the next few hours getting home fun. Luckily for us tho, when we arrived into Leeds there was a plane just in from Pakistan, so immigration was far more bothered about them than some white woman with no passport or other means of identification.

She also had a camera nicked from a bag on Christmas Day in Amsterdam. Not exactly sure how or when that happened.

And I had a camera nicked from my pocket getting onto a bus late at night in the middle of Rome. I could actually tell what was happening, but just half a second too late to realise it was definitely a robbery, rather han just general jostling. Fortunately, I'd just put a new film on the camera (it was that long ago!) so I didn't lose any pics.

 

[toogreytogrind]

Out of all the countries I've visited I've had more problems in Spain. No problems in Barcelona but certainly loads of that happening. Had someone try the David Beckham trick on me in Madrid. They ask where you are from and when they know you are English they go to show you a football move and hook you leg and push you and then go for your wallet. I'd heard about it before I went and grabbed his hand before he could get my wallet.

Also, in Malaga I woke up with a man in my room..........not like that. He'd got into my room and was going through my things.

 

[salem]

I've lived here for almost a year and visited half a dozen times before. So far I've not lost anything, but had one bloke put his hand in my pocket (I realised and pushed him away) when I was uncharacteristicly drunk.

I was out the other day, just after reading this thread. A friend was telling someone how he'd been robbed 7 times. He mentioned to keep an eye on his bag while he went to the toilet. End of night he went to get his bag and it was gone (we thought he was joking at first too). No major loss but I find it amazing how they did it without us noticing.

It's fairly common and locals are victims too although not as easy targets as tourists.

The police are everywhere (far more visible then London for example) so the place feels perfectly safe however when it comes to non-violent theft they are pretty powerless. For all the paperwork they have to fill out there is no punishment for the criminals so they are pretty much left to it. So you get thieves who migrate to the city as it's such easy pickings.

 

[5t3IIa]

I was out the other day, just after reading this thread. A friend was telling someone how he'd been robbed 7 times. He mentioned to keep an eye on his bag while he went to the toilet. End of night he went to get his bag and it was gone (we thought he was joking at first too). No major loss but I find it amazing how they did it without us noticing.

That happened to my mate in London. She's lived here for years. "See them," she said "I bet they're bag-snatchers." I was new in Town and just thought "Eh? They're people in a pub" but sure enough her bag disappeared.

 

[Paul Russell]

Had someone try the David Beckham trick on me in Madrid. They ask where you are from and when they know you are English they go to show you a football move and hook you leg and push you and then go for your wallet.

I had something similar in Barcelona. And I had the fake bird shit, let me help you trick. And someone just put their hand in my pocket. All in Barcelona over about 3 or 4 weeks. Luckily, all unsuccesful. I've never had an attempted pickpocket before or since, so I think it's reputation is well deserved...

 

[toogreytogrind]

I had something similar in Barcelona. And I had the fake bird shit, let me help you trick. And someone just put their hand in my pocket. All in Barcelona over about 3 or 4 weeks. Luckily, all unsuccesful. I've never had an attempted pickpocket before or since, so I think it's reputation is well deserved...

I had the fake bird shit one with my ex when we were in Buenos Aires. Again I'd read about it before hand and just told her to walk on, so no probs there apart form being covered in horrible stinking liquid stuff. I think you're right in the reputation of Barcelona and I do know others who have left there lighter in money and luggage.

 

[Epico]

Haha, this is a great thread to read before going to Barcelona for the first time on Monday!

I've heard of this, and as long as I don't wander out with all of my money - I'm not going to be too annoyed if it goes. Apparently they're 'bloody good' so I will have to grudgingly admire their 'talent' and move on. I can't see me getting distracted by street performers - as I hate them anyway!

 

[trashpony]

I had my handbag nicked in Dublin and a locker with our bags in it at the train station broken into in Prague. So far, Barcelona has been pain-free

 

[stuff_it]

Haha, this is a great thread to read before going to Barcelona for the first time on Monday!

I've heard of this, and as long as I don't wander out with all of my money - I'm not going to be too annoyed if it goes. Apparently they're 'bloody good' so I will have to grudgingly admire their 'talent' and move on. I can't see me getting distracted by street performers - as I hate them anyway!

They are unlikely to be able to get into your socks or bra (may I suggest you wear at least one of these items of clothing - make sure they are decent socks with proper tall elasticated tops on) without you noticing without you being really fuckin arseholed.

Another one I've found useful is those money belts with the zips on the inside that look like normal belts, chaining everything to myself (but still keeping loose cash and at least one debit/credit card somewhere separate, and as a female wearing trousers with tight fastenable pockets that are completely concealed under a skirt or dress. Other stuff to look out for is stuff with zip-up pockets where the zip runs counter to what you expect, such as some outdoor gear you get, and shoes with easy to lift out and replace insoles.

Generally I am so much of a munter that I also aim that nothing should fall out even if a giant were to pick me up by the feet and shake me.

So far (touch wood) a combination of these methods have served me well.

Things I never ever tend to go about with in cities are loose open pockets, handbags, camera bags, etc. as these are bait as fuck if you want to get robbed or mugged.

The more valuable/irreplaceable the item is, the closer I try to keep it to my skin...most hotels (if you are lucky enough to afford one) will keep your passport in their safe, to avoid carrying it about with you.

I do own a handbag but it's just for makeup and toiletries, as it's basically a target on a string. I was gobsmacked when I found out my mum has been going into London for nights out for years with her keys, wallet, and phone in her handbag, I mean ffs!

 

[Citizen66]

Been to Barcelona loads when a mate was living out there. On one occasion a lad aged around 17 (I guesstimate) approached me and put his arm around me. Then he tried to sort of wrap his leg around mine and then get me on the ground. Even after numerous pints and sambucas I was going nowhere. Eventually he sort of backed away nervously and then fucked off sharpish with his accomplice.

A bit perplexed I asked my mate wtf that was all about. He replied, matter of factly, "Oh, he was trying to rob you." Fucking lame attempt.

 

[trashpony]

I do own a handbag but it's just for makeup and toiletries, as it's basically a target on a string. I was gobsmacked when I found out my mum has been going into London for nights out for years with her keys, wallet, and phone in her handbag, I mean ffs!

I have been going out in London for years with my keys, wallet and phone in my bag. I've very often been completed munted. 25 years on, I've never had a problem

 

[Paul Russell]

Again I'd read about it before hand and just told her to walk on, so no probs there apart form being covered in horrible stinking liquid stuff. I think you're right in the reputation of Barcelona and I do know others who have left there lighter in money and luggage.

The bird shit in my case was a huge dollop of garlic mayo. I was on my way back to the airport so must have stunk out the bus.

 

[DRINK?]

never happened to me in Barca or anywhere else for that matter....naturally suspicious and look like a header or something

 

[extra dry]

I got orphaned, mugged, defrauded and lost two moters but looking on the bright side things got better...and I beat the mugger had second thoughts about mugging a pissed off KFC worker...

 

[extra dry]

It could be linked to the economy of the place...it's all heading down hill fast, crime rates in some areas, once rare for crime, have gradually increased over the past 10-15 years. In my own view of course, I sure someone will point to 17th-18th century and tear limb from limb the notion I'm sharing.

Also the targets of the thief, person ones, of course, stay in the memory. However people are reverting to the 'old' striping lead off churches, but with copper, steel, brass. You may think no big deal until the next 3-4 day outage due to pylons being dismantled, even manhole covers can fetch 5$ or 8 quid, they are heavy, you grab four or five of those at a time and there you go. Cash to splash around or save for the kids dippers, not that I m suggesting that because then the roads become death traps, cyclists, motorcyclists, kids, family, friends and pets all would be quite bad.

 

[becki1701]

My sister and I had our passports and money pickpocketed on the metro system......we hadn't even got to the hotel yet!

Had to spend an entire day sorting out emergency passports, NOT a good start to the break. It's a beautiful city though, we managed to enjoy ourselves despite it.

 

[sim667]

Not personally, but ive apprehended a couple. My mum has had her bagsnatched, Ive woken up to find someone in our hotel room, and our freind in a wheelchair had his wallet on the table, and a chap sat down to talk to him and put his paper over the wallet, and when he lifted the paper scooped the wallet too.... A bunch of my dads students got goaded into a game of street football and all had their wallets knicked whilst playing.

Its just mainly the ramblas and the barrigotic. Always wear trousers/shorts with zip up pockets.

Still my favourite city though

 

[sim667]

It could be linked to the economy of the place...it's all heading down hill fast, crime rates in some areas, once rare for crime, have gradually increased over the past 10-15 years. In my own view of course, I sure someone will point to 17th-18th century and tear limb from limb the notion I'm sharing.

We've had a family house near there for 22 years, and its always been pretty bad for robbing and theivery. Our spanish freinds blame it on romas....... whether there's mileage in that or not i dont know.

 

[8ball]

I think the only place anyone has attempted to pick my pocket was Barcelona. They got one of my mates' phone but he threatened to give the lot of 'em a hiding and they gave it back (I think mainly cos the police weren't far away and he was making a lot of noise). Most blatant and frequent pickpocketing I've ever seen, though I'm not that well-travelled.

 

[miniGMgoit]

My friend just got back from Barcelona after getting her wallet, passport and camera pinch out her bag.

 

[pinkmonkey]

We've had a family house near there for 22 years, and its always been pretty bad for robbing and theivery. Our spanish freinds blame it on romas....... whether there's mileage in that or not i dont know.

I would blame it more on Spanish law, meaning repeat offenders don't have the deterrent of a custodial sentence. It's an attractive place for criminal gangs to go, lots of tourists and lax laws.

''The police have identified a considerable number of these thieves, most of them repeat offenders, but the scope of the criminal act (which is often considered a misdemeanor because the amount stolen does not exceed 400 euros) prevents them from receiving a custodial sentence. The existing Spanish Penal Code does not provide means for judges to impose stiffer penalties for criminal recidivism.”

http://www.robbedinbarcelona.com/2011/04/13/barcelona-leader-once-again-2/

There was an awful story on either the FB group or blog where some guy had his apartment robbed and he knew who did it (They lived opposite, I think). Due to this law they got away with it and would taunt him about it in the street.

 

[Zabo]

I'm glad for this thread. I was 99% ready to book a few days break but I just don't need the stress of thinking that some robbing bastard is either behind, in front or at the side of me.

Yeah, yeah I know lots of other places can be a bit dodgy but Barcelona seems to be talked about the most.

Any other safer suggestions where it's not too cold - not America!

 

[Blagsta]

It's no more dangerous than any other big city!

 

[sim667]

I'm glad for this thread. I was 99% ready to book a few days break but I just don't need the stress of thinking that some robbing bastard is either behind, in front or at the side of me.

Yeah, yeah I know lots of other places can be a bit dodgy but Barcelona seems to be talked about the most.

Any other safer suggestions where it's not too cold - not America!

Seriously please don't write Barcelona off, sensible measures can sort the problem, you don't get targeted unless you look like a target. I've never been done and I have wandered aroud those back streets unbelievably pissed. It's mainly a problem in the barri gothic, the ramblas and placa real, as those areas are like mazes and tourist traps. My best suggestion is to have shorts with zip pockets, and a Wallet that attaches to you belt, I use the, at festivals.

Barcelona itself is an amazing city and should be a must see

 

[Stanley Edwards]

It's not just the Gothic Quarter. It's everywhere. I had a bag stolen on the avenue leading towards Arc de Triumfo. Clothes stolen as soon as the train pulled into the station. And, it's not Roma. Roma get a bad reputation due to the few beggars. The Roma girls with clipboards don't rob, they just try to get a € donation out of you.

The rest of Spain is exceptionally safe. Usual problems in Seville and Madrid, but everywhere else is very safe.

 

[Anudder Oik]

I rescued an octogenarian on the metro in Barcelona about 4 months ago. 3 guys surrounded him and were rifling thru his pockets openly in a crowded wagon. No one did anything so I prized the nearest guys arm off the hand rail to allow the old man to get away as they had him penned in with an arm round him, the cunts. They didn't say or do anything to me. I dread to think what happened to the old man, as an experience like that, for someone so old, could prove fatal.

I have grown to hate Barcelona and it's scum politicians because of the thieving that's going on everywhere. They allow it.

The metro system is territory of Rumanian gypsies. there are, according to sources, 150 of them doing shifts. I've seen them running from wagon to wagon laughing as though it were a fucking fair ground attraction.

 

[joustmaster]

Seriously please don't write Barcelona off, sensible measures can sort the problem, you don't get targeted unless you look like a target. I've never been done and I have wandered aroud those back streets unbelievably pissed. It's mainly a problem in the barri gothic, the ramblas and placa real, as those areas are like mazes and tourist traps. My best suggestion is to have shorts with zip pockets, and a Wallet that attaches to you belt, I use the, at festivals.

Barcelona itself is an amazing city and should be a must see

The thing is, when I go on holiday I don't want to have to buy sppecial clothes, and constantly be in disguise and on guard.

 

[belboid]

you dont have to be constantly on guard tho, just sensible, by and large, and aware of whats going on around you.or, if you're going out to get trollied, dont take loads of things with you you couldnt live without.

 

[spanglechick]

I have been going out in London for years with my keys, wallet and phone in my bag. I've very often been completed munted. 25 years on, I've never had a problem

and me. I grew up in london, and i, and every girl i grew up with has always used a handbag. and i don't know any of them who have been pickpocketed or mugged. i do know blokes who have been mugged - but they didn't have their stuff in handbags.

by all means, never lose physical contact with your bag in a bar or club, (unless i know the djs and they let me put it behind the decks) - that's just stupid. And don't walk around with the thing dangling from your wrist or whatever. But i'm a kamikaze drinker (among other indulgences) and have been for decades, and i've never been dipped: home or abroad.