Is pickpocketing and theft really much worse in Barcelona than other cities?

[TheDayOfMyDoctor]

We're going to Barcelona later in the year, and as I've been reading up on things to do etc. online, I keep coming across warnings that tourist theft is particularly bad. I've lived in a number of different cities, so not normally paranoid about such things, but I wondered if we do need to be extra careful while we're there.

Has this been your experience if you visited? I've recently purchased a DSLR camera and was looking forward to getting some good photos, but various websites have warned against having one hung round your neck and keeping it in a (non-camera) bag will mean constantly opening/closing bag to take it out and put it away which could make us more vulnerable I think.

Any top tips for keeping possessions safe and minimising the risk of theft?

Oh, and use a handbag with a flap and a zip, and if you can keep your valuables/money inside another zipped compartment do. Makes it harder and therefore more unlikely. And watch out for the Roma women in the placa's round las Ramblas.

Sadly, beautiful Barcelona is blighted by pick-pockets. Apparently more emergency travel documentation is issued to people who have visited Barcelona than any other city in Europe. A few years ago some shops asked for photo ID if you were paying with a credit card hence people carried passports, that is not the case now so you can leave your passport somewhere safe.

Distraction seems to be the key especially on Las Ramblas (also the drinks and food on Las Ramblas are much more expensive than in the cafes either side or La Bocqueria). If you do sit at the cafes on Las Ramblas don't sit with your back to the road as people can pickpocket you that way (I've seen it done). Friends got caught with a really bizarre distraction robbery - someone threw white powder over them (possibly flour) and then a couple of people rushed over to help them brush it off their clothes and stole their wallets, etc., in the process.

They have increased the police presence due to the knock-on effect of a bad reputation harming the tourist trade.

Just be wary and watchful and you will be fine I am sure, and it is a really beautiful, vibrant city.

i was really worried about this, but actually felt reasonably safe whilst there - never spotted anything bad.

I had a bumbag, rucksack and handbag, but actually kept my money in the inside pocket of my coat. i thought that if they did try and nick anything they would go for the obvious rather than trying to unzip my coat and go for an inside pocket

we didn't travel at peak time, so the tube was very quiet - so not squashed against people. taxis were also cheap and felt safer

Thanks for the additional posts. I'm keeping a note of all these tips. I can't believe someone had flour thrown over them!

That's good to know re: the passports .

Is it worth taking some travellers cheques to cut down on the amount of cash carried (I'm thinking about when we arrive at the airport again). Though I wonder if being spotted as holiday makers strolling out of an exchange bureau would make us more likely to be targeted!

Not had any issues, but I did keep my cross-body bag close at all times and didn't carry a camera.

I found Paris worse, TBH.

Can you still get travellers cheques?? Better to get some sort of prepaid card?

I've no idea actually! It's been years since I used them!!

I've never had any bother, either in Barcelona, Paris, New York. I don't carry a lot of money with me, we keep any money in the front pocket of jeans & a little in coat/ jacket pockets. I've never stood looking at maps/phones etc out in the street. I think my main advantage is my "fuck off & don't start with me face" . The only place I've ever had my purse taken was actually in a UK city & it was just an opportune thief in a bar.

I was robbed in Barca train station. When I went to the train station cop shop to report it there was a massive queue. This was twenty years ago though.

We were almost put off visiting by the amount of things we read on pickpocketing etc but landed up having a great time there and fortunately never saw or experienced any negative incidents. We were vigilant - cross body bag, small camera etc but no more than we always are when visiting a busy city/tourist spots.

Have a great time.