Barcelone Pickpockets

[breadstick]

Going to Barcelona at end of September on my hols but i am being put off by countless people saying it is full of pickpockets and shady people

I am a nervous sort at the best of times so i feel like cancelling it :(


is it that bad?

[EcclesCake]

Take simple precautions to not make yourself vulnerable.

We were double victims of pickpockets on our way to report our initial incident of being pick pocketed whilst in Barcelona.

Great city and worth visiting.

[THEMOTLEY1]

//We were double victims of pickpockets on our way to report our initial incident//
How careless was that?

[237SJ]

Dress casually, wear a cheap watch, walk around purposefully and wear a cross body bag so that you have your valuables in front of you.

[naomi24]

Pickpockets are prevalent in some areas of most cities. Keep your valuables tucked away and have a lovely time.

[RandyMarsh]

cough, good at parties eh THEMOTLEY1?

[237SJ]

Beware of distraction tactics as well. A popular one in Brazil and Argentina is for someone to throw something such as ketchup on you and while they draw your attention to it, their mate makes off with your bag. I don't know if that trick has made it to Barcelona yet.

[EcclesCake]

Motley1, the swear filter will not permit me to address your comment as robustly as I would like.

[whiskeryron]

It is well worth buying a body belt to keep your passports & money hidden. Take out enough cash or travel cheques to last each day before you leave your hotel room. If you need more when you are out always transfer from your hidden body belt in a secluded & safe venue ( toilet etc.) Also make sure you wear your purse with daily allowance in, on a neck strap under your dress or shirt. If you take these simple precautions you will have a lovely enjoyable holiday.

[whiskeryron]

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[whiskeryron]

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[andy-hughes]

Sensible precautions are the way forward.

Stick to main thoroughfares. Walk purposefully. Don't flash money in public.

If you are really worried, leave any jewellery including wedding rings in your hotel safe.

But don't let your fear stop you enjoying your holiday - people like to scaremonger!

[mikey4444]

When I used to travel abroad, I always used a neck-pouch, with it tucked in underneath my shirt.

Its obvious but never keep a wallet in a back pocket.....you still see some men doing that and its tantamount to asking someone to steal from you.

Don't carry all your money and cards around with you all the time...take whatever spending money you will need and keep the rest in the Hotel safe.

For many years, I stitched a £20 note into the lining of my walking trousers. It only takes a couple of minutes and its worth the effort.

Don't wear lots of ostentatious jewellery, or expensive watches.

[TWR]

Whisker, with respect to your reply I would never ever advise someone on holiday to carry their Passport on their person, you are asking for trouble by doing that.

[TWR]

To add I understand there is a small "Shock" device that can be purchased & placed in your pocket that helps this issue.

[ummmm]

Don't take a wallet out.

[zebo]

Watch out going through a door way where the scrote in front 'stumbles', thus holding the queue and the scrote behind will examine the content of your bag held behind you, we lost a camera this way in Prague. When the scenario was repeated in Barcelona, the one behind probably had a broken finger when I grabbed his hand and twisted it. The locals on the tube gave me a round of applause!

[ethandron]

I had the zip on my handbag fiddled with down las ramblas about five years ago, I though I was very aware and alert.
My son recently had a very nice watch removed by four thugs in Naples, resulting in him being ambulanced to hospital, very lucky it was no worse.
Don't wear any jewellery worth pinching and be very, very aware of your surroundings.

[Maydup]

It is a lovely city and safe, but the pickpockets are a nuisance. They are most prevelant along Las Ramblas, on the underground, and in otehr crowded places.

My husband was polite enough to let two girls go ahead of him on the underground only to have fallen victim to pickpocketing. One had walked on the train while the other unzipped his jacket pocket and taken his wallet.

The lesson is to barge ahead on the tube and stop for no one! Only carry enough money for the day and keep it in a body wallet. Leave your credit cards and driving licence at home.

That way you can enjoy the wonderful city and leave the pickpockets to easier pickings.

[Peter Pedant]

oh in Madreeth I managed to get to the police station - calle de recogidas ( ze stree' of zee reformed prostituteth )without losing the rest of my money

that seems to be a first on this thread

I was done over outside the lazaro galdiano
not a bad museum actually
I shoulda realised that Madree poleeth dont do street searches in plain clotheth
didnt have much to eat for the final three days