Barcelona’s Modern Day Plague: Pickpockets

Google “pickpocket capital of the world” and the results are stunningly and overwhelmingly BARCELONA. Why is the home of Picasso, Gaudi and Mirò the number one city in the world for pickpockets you ask? Maybe it’s the annual influx of 32 million tourists loaded down with expensive cameras, iPhones and plenty of cash who mill around mesmerized by the sites. Easy pickin’s for pickpockets.

Unfortunately for us, these petty thieves already know that if they get caught, they aren’t going to jail. They will be charged a fine that is just a fraction of what they’ve stolen from you. They take the risk because the ROI is pretty darn good.

Does this leave you wondering if it is possible to achieve rapture while ogling La Sagrada Familia? Maybe only after you have made sure your phone, money, credit cards and ID are concealed in a lead-lined money belt inside your clothes and secured to you with electrical tape under your armpits. I am only half-joking. But yes, I plan on taking precautionary measures so I can enjoy my Barcelona experience to the fullest.

I am lucky to say that so far I have not been the victim of crime in any of my international travels, but there’s a first time for everything. So in preparation for my maiden trip to Barcelona, I’ve devoured countless blogs and videos authored by seasoned travelers and reformed pickpockets on what to watch out for to sidestep the light-fingered gangs. I’m going to have a good time!!!!

THE SCAMS

Just know that pickpockets thrive on your being distracted. Here are some of the more well-known scams: 

• The bump.  A common ruse in overcrowded La Rambla, a pickpocket will bump into you and say ‘excuse me’ and your wallet is gone
• The ‘helpful’ local. They are acting helpful with directions or a restaurant recommendation, but in reality they are checking you out
• The ATM. Someone may come up to you at an ATM. Wait, what? Why are you at an ATM outside? People, people…
• Will you sign this petition? Groups of girls with clipboards may approach you and ask you to sign a petition. Why exactly would you sign a petition in Spain? They are casing what you have. Say no and move away from them
• Senorita, there is a stain on your dress! While you are distracted looking for a non-existent stain, another member of their gang has already robbed you
• Kids or beggars selling newspapers to ‘benefit the homeless’. As they are showing you the paper, they have created a barrier between you and your wallet. Abracadabra! Your wallet has disappeared!  
• Your taxi has a flat! Fake cops will pull over cabs on their way from the airport claiming the cab has a flat tire where there is no flat

8 SAFETY TIPS

Below are some tips that may seem like simple common sense, but come from travel veterans as well as Barcelonès. This advice is especially helpful if you are traveling solo. Or while blonde. (Yes, apparently that is a thing. *wink*) Also, keep in mind that the way you carry yourself can make a big difference in diminishing your attractiveness as a target. Like my Dad used to say, “Act like you know how”.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. First and foremost. Be especially vigilant at crowded tourist attractions and shopping areas like La Rambla and La Boqueria, in the metro stations, at the beach and in the tangle of alleys in the Gothic Quarter
   • Don’t be distracted by people coming into your personal space
   • Watch out for people with no luggage moving quickly through a train station
   • Go ahead and snap those photos of Casa Battlo, but then immediately put your camera away
   • TRAVEL HACK: Look people directly in the eye if you suspect they are checking you out. They will likely move on to someone that’s a little less tuned in
2. Mind your phone. At home, you might be perfectly at ease leaving your phone on the table in a cafe or restaurant, but don’t do this in Barcelona
   • TRAVEL HACK: If you absolutely must have your phone out (like me), hold it in both hands — under the table
3. Try your damnedest to not to look like a tourist. And definitely don’t look like a target. Leave your engagement ring and your Chanel bag at home. Why do you want to show your goodies to people who want to relieve you of them?
   • Dress appropriately for the city and the season. Barcelona is classically stylish. (I know I am looking forward to stepping up to the challenge)
   • Be discreet if you must use maps or tourist guide books
   • TRAVEL HACK: Download travel and language apps to your phone and alleviate the need for paper maps and books
4. Keep your bags to your front and keep a hand on them at all times. Make sure your bags are always zipped and closed
   • Wear your bags in the front. Even if it’s a backpack. A cross-body bag is a pretty good option, but know that you can run the risk of getting the strap cut. Pickpockets may have scissors or knives to get at your stuff
   • In restaurants or cafes, don’t hang your bag on the back of the chair – hold it securely in your lap
   • Guys – no wallets in back pockets
   • Get a money belt (or two) to wear inside your clothes. Then you can leave your bag or wallet in your AirBnB and go completely hands free
   • TRAVEL HACK: Ladies, get a travel bra if you don’t have one already. This thing is pure genius. It has tons of hiding places for your money and cards and they are super comfy. Here’s another option from LuLuLemon

     

     Photo courtesy of LuluLemon

5. Carry copies of your ID/passport, not the originals. Leave the real McCoys in your flat’s lockbox. Take photos of your documents and credit cards before you leave home
6. Bring only enough cash and cards you need for any given outing. Further mitigate your risk by splitting up your money and cards into different money belts or bags. If you are relieved of one, you still have some cash and a credit card in the other. It’s also a good idea to just leave some of your credit cards back in your home country
7. Take the bus from the airport into the city. Remember the fake cop pulling over the taxi scam? Barcelonès recommend the bus as the safer transportation option 
8. Know the local emergency numbers. Hopefully, you won’t have to use them, but you’ll be glad you have them if you do need them. I am sharing the information here, but please double-check the info for accuracy before you travel  

Nationwide emergency numbers in Spain

• Police, ambulance, fire brigade: 112
• Police: 091
• Local Police: 092
• Fire brigade: 080
• Accident / Ambulance: 061
• English-speaking police officers: +34 932 903 000 (Police HQ), Via Laietana 43

Tourist police departments

• Nou de la Rambla, Tel: +34 932 902 844
• Rambla 43, Tel: +34 932 902 845
• Metro Plaza Catalunya, Tel: +34 934 121 469
• Central Station Sants, Tel: +34 932 905 231
• Port Barceloneta, c / Juan de Borbon 64, Tel: +34 932 240 600

Now go meander through the Park Guell, but don’t let your guard down. I know nothing is going to stop me reveling in all the beauty that is Barcelona. Olé!

P.S. I certainly did not foresee writing an article on pickpockets! But as I have been doing such a deep dive into Spain for a potential international move, and I came across so much info on pickpockets in Barcelona that it became its own article. Look for another article on Barcelona very soon.

Safe travels!