Barcelona Thieves?

rediguana

Hi.

I'm going to Barcelona tomorrow (can't wait). Anyway, I've heard glowing reports from everyone about the place BUT an alarming number of mugging stories.

I'm a dab hand at blowing my own money and can ill afford someone else helping himself to my cash. How can I avoid being another statistic?

I know not to dangle a camera around my neck etc. I'm not looking for general advice, but things specific to Barca.

Tips welcome

killbillvol2

Pickpockets are a bit of an issue, as are the sort of scam artists you come across all over the world.

Basically, take the same precautions you'd take in Dublin and avoid getting involved with any street sellers/hawkers or people with sob stories. And try not to look too Irish!

whiskeyman

my mates folks got stung in Barca early this year.
His Dad was walking along when (he thought) a bird shat on him.
A local saw this happen, and took him aside and offered to clean the jacket on him with a quick wipe or two (he had a very convenient bottle of water and tissue handy).

He was delighted at the assistance... but none too happy when he found out his wallet was missing from the pocket later that evening.
Turns out an accomplice pours fake bird sh*te mix from a window above (or squeezey bottle) and then the 'helper' moves in and tries to get his grubby mitts into the pockets when you think he's helping.

One of many scams used all over the world, no doubt...

jonny68

Yeah my mate got stung as well we were there on Paddy's Day and we'd had a few drinks these birds came up and started flocking around my mate who foolishly thought they were interested,it was only when we got into a bar he discovered his wallet was missing, Barcelona is renowed for pickpockets so id be very careful when walking down Las Ramblas apart from that it's a good city but id recommend Valencia over it,safer and cheaper..;)

BuffyBot

A guy in work had his laptop stolen as he was checking in to his hotel..literally he was at the desk and when he looked down to pick his stuff up, it was gone. So it does seem watchful is the way to be.

blue banana

Friends of mine got pickpocketed on the train from the airport into the city in Barca, there was some commotion about their luggage and they were distracted. An hour later they met another Irish couple who had also been pickpocketed.

I tend to hold onto my wallet in my pocket, when there is any commotion or if I am approached or surrounded by people who are being "friendly". I did it in Sydney once when I was stopped at pedestrian lights waiting to cross the road. A young fella (12/13 yo) standing behind made some comment out loud about what I did. It just confirmed to me that he was up to no good.

Naff and all as money belts are, it's better to wear one than get your cash and cards stolen.

rediguana

Thanks for the info!

I´m here now and I´ve had no problems so far. Everyone´s very nice.

I haven´t seen any scams yet. All my stuff is in zipped pockets. I don´t make a very good target!

Cheers!

R.

dSTAR

Its the same with anywhere dude...if you walk around looking like easy pickings you are going to attract unwanted attention of pickpockets.

Not sure why so many Irish and Poms when they go abroad feel they need to wear Irish / English soccer jerseys, silly hats and generally stand out looking like pissed up short stay travelers and then wonder why they were relieved of their camera or cash.