Thieves Are Thriving in Barcelona

[Urtchie]

Once bitten, twice shy as they say. My husband's wallet was pickpocketed just after we got off the ship and were in the queue for the HOHO bus. This seems to be a favourite place. His wallet was in a very deep front trouser pocket but he didn't feel a thing. Fortunately we had not taken our credit cards. This happened on our first visit to Barcelona. The next time we were there we only took a few Euros in pockets and did the same in Rome. We will be in Barcelona again shortly and will do the same again.

[Susan-M]

.... But I am also surprised that the OP did not follow the precautions that have been on this website for months and months (do a quick search) before leaving on their trip.

 

I agree that this is a topic that is frequently discussed with the same warnings, experiences, suggestions, etc. etc. repeated on a regular basis ... currently there are 3 threads on the topic just on the first page of the forums.

 

To the OP's credit, she admitted that they made a mistake by not following recommended precautions which they were aware of:

 

....He had considered a money belt but unfortunately didn't get one.

[hubofhockey]

Once bitten, twice shy as they say. My husband's wallet was pickpocketed just after we got off the ship and were in the queue for the HOHO bus. This seems to be a favourite place. His wallet was in a very deep front trouser pocket but he didn't feel a thing. Fortunately we had not taken our credit cards. This happened on our first visit to Barcelona. The next time we were there we only took a few Euros in pockets and did the same in Rome. We will be in Barcelona again shortly and will do the same again.

 

The travel wallets that fit around the neck under the shirt would solve your problem. Here is the Rick Steves one. They are very light and you barely notice that you are wearing them.

 

[dalgirl]

Do not get me wrong, I do give the OP credit for giving an account of their experience and admitting that they did not follow the recommendations given on these boards. And I also agree that the authorities should take these crimes more seriously. It is a shame that we have to be "at fault" if we get taken by thiefs... ridiculous:mad: But for whatever reason, it is up to us to protect ourselves and to take these posts seriously. It is good to plan your hotel, transportation, siteseeing, etc. but also plan for your safety and the safety of your posessions. And it cannot be emphasized enough -- don't think it can't happen to you, it can happen to the saviest traveler. Complacency is not an option in this situation. And with the new level of terror alert in Europe, it doesn't hurt to be aware of your surroundings and still try to enjoy yourself. Oh and please, DO NOT stop to watch the shell games on La Ramblas:)

[UKBayern]

Okay, peoples. I think I have "discovered" why theft is so prevalent in Barcelona. It is not a felony, not even a misdemeanor. It is a "falta", sort of like an infraction. Like taking out your garbage at the wrong time. There's no trial for anyone caught doing it. Just a small fine.

 

In other words, the Barcelona authorities, if not Spain as a whole, actually give thiefs free reign. They don't care. The attitude seems to be, if you're outsmarted by thieves, you deserve it.

 

 

What a wonderful insight you have in the working of the Spanish police and judiciary system! I bet you have lived there all your life, etc, that you know so much about it. If you talk to or about the police in any country in this way, no wonder you don't get any sympathy from anybody. But since it is so terrible in Spain for you, and you are so happy in your own home town, I suggest you know what to do.

[Aviator of the Seas]

What a wonderful insight you have in the working of the Spanish police and judiciary system! I bet you have lived there all your life, etc, that you know so much about it. If you talk to or about the police in any country in this way, no wonder you don't get any sympathy from anybody. But since it is so terrible in Spain for you, and you are so happy in your own home town, I suggest you know what to do.

 

So, please educate me. What part of what I posted is not true? Pickpocketing and other sorts of theft in Spain are not mere "faltas"? Doesn't this hands-off attitude by police in fact create an environment that encourages the crime?

 

We have a serious crime problem in my "happy home town". The problem, however, does not include rampant theft against honored guests - tourists. Theft is treated as it should - a serious crime against property and is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. That's why you don't see "pickpocketing threads" constantly popping up in the San Juan board. You don't see such threats in other Caribbean boards for that matter. We might be poor little islands, but we appreciate our visitors.

 

Europe, on the other hand, seems to have surrendered to many things, including thievery. In their socialist mentality, they view thievery as a form of redistribution of wealth.

 

I hope you would prove me wrong. I am looking forward to my upcoming visit but I am not looking forward to being forced to keep my head on a swivel because of chronic problem that the Spanish authorities cannot handle.

 

Again, prove me wrong.

[hubofhockey]

So, please educate me. What part of what I posted is not true? Pickpocketing and other sorts of theft in Spain are not mere "faltas"? Doesn't this hands-off attitude by police in fact create an environment that encourages the crime?

 

 

A quick internet search shows you to be correct and that the standard for a falta is less than 400 euros. If it is a falta, the perps get a warning. If it is over 400, it's a delito.

 

It's the law itself that encourages crime. It's not the fault of the police. I don't find it amusing that there is a facebook page called I was robbed in Spain. Spain has a problem. Take a look at this link from the facebook page. http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_rob_percap-crime-robberies-per-capita

 

I just don't think any of this is enough of a reason to miss such a great city. Just be on your guard and take precautions. Every story I read about the pickpocketing somehow relates to people who are not using money belts, travel wallets, or taking appropriate precautions.

[Aviator of the Seas]

A quick internet search shows you to be correct and that the standard for a falta is less than 400 euros. If it is a falta, the perps get a warning. If it is over 400, it's a delito.

 

It's the law itself that encourages crime. It's not the fault of the police. I don't find it amusing that there is a facebook page called I was robbed in Spain. Spain has a problem. Take a look at this link from the facebook page. http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_rob_percap-crime-robberies-per-capita

 

I just don't think any of this is enough of a reason to miss such a great city. Just be on your guard and take precautions. Every story I read about the pickpocketing somehow relates to people who are not using money belts, travel wallets, or taking appropriate precautions.

 

Those are some impressive statistics. My Mother Country has twice as many robberies as the next!?

 

I pose the question again. What are the Spanish authorities doing about it?

[baggal]

Considering that unemployment in Spain is hovering at around 20%, possibly more, and that the Spanish economy was on the verge of collapse this summer (along with Portugal, Ireland and Greece) it is mind-boggling that the government has no will to create an atmosphere of safety to those all-important tourist dollars.

[Aviator of the Seas]

I think I answered my own question. What are the Spanish authorities doing about this problem? Not much. According to this article, the government was considering using reincidence of "faltas" (less than 400 euro) as aggravating circumstances which could land a thief in jail.

 

But get this, jail time would be served only on weekends or holidays, which is when hardcore criminals are sent home on furlough to open up room in the prisons.

 

I cannot find confirmation where this crime-fighting breaktrhough was approved.

 

Now I wonder no more why there is a chronic theft problem in Spain. they're way too lenient with the criminals!

[Aviator of the Seas]

I think I answered my own question. What are the Spanish authorities doing about this problem? Not much. According to this article, the government was considering using reincidence of "faltas" (less than 400 euro) as aggravating circumstances which could land a thief in jail.

 

But get this, jail time would be served only on weekends or holidays, which is when hardcore criminals are sent home on furlough to open up room in the prisons.

 

I cannot find confirmation where this crime-fighting breaktrhough was approved.

 

Now I wonder no more why there is a chronic theft problem in Spain. they're way too lenient with the criminals!

 

Forgot to add the link (Spanish language):

 

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/04/20/espana/1271766188.html

[pschmitt22]

My sil/bil were visiting Barcelona for the first time--pre cruise. I had warned them about street crime, so they were trying to be careful. They were resting on a bench on Las Ramblas and a man approached asking for directions. Sil stood up to help him. Soon after, they decided to continue their walk. Their back pack, which was on the bench next to bil, was missing. They think he was working with a partner. Missing--$250 sweater, a nice backpack and a couple insignificant items.

Another friend had just used an ATM in Rome and got on a public bus. He was traveling Rick Steves style with a backpack. He was adjusting it and felt something in his front pocket--he slapped at it. An attractive young girl was standing next to him. He thought he has stopped a pp, but when he got off the bus, he checked and his money was missing.

[Got2Cruise]

For YEARS posters here on CC have been "preaching" about the need to wear the money belt. Wear the money belt! What is the big deal? Those are the only things that will prevent your money being stolen. Anything on the outside of your body can be cut off or gotten into.

 

I agree that this is a topic that is frequently discussed with the same warnings, experiences, suggestions, etc. etc. repeated on a regular basis ... currently there are 3 threads on the topic just on the first page of the forums.

 

To the OP's credit, she admitted that they made a mistake by not following recommended precautions which they were aware of:

[4774Papa]

So, please educate me. What part of what I posted is not true? Pickpocketing and other sorts of theft in Spain are not mere "faltas"? Doesn't this hands-off attitude by police in fact create an environment that encourages the crime?

 

We have a serious crime problem in my "happy home town". The problem, however, does not include rampant theft against honored guests - tourists. Theft is treated as it should - a serious crime against property and is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. That's why you don't see "pickpocketing threads" constantly popping up in the San Juan board. You don't see such threats in other Caribbean boards for that matter. We might be poor little islands, but we appreciate our visitors.

 

Europe, on the other hand, seems to have surrendered to many things, including thievery. In their socialist mentality, they view thievery as a form of redistribution of wealth.

 

I hope you would prove me wrong. I am looking forward to my upcoming visit but I am not looking forward to being forced to keep my head on a swivel because of chronic problem that the Spanish authorities cannot handle.

 

Again, prove me wrong.

 

 

Aviator, I agree. I have traveled extensively in Europe, and lived in Germany for four years. Pickpocketing is more rampart in Southern Europe. I never heard of pickpocketing in Germany.

My former Wife was a theft victum in Madrid and in Paris. The police in Madrid did nothing. I don't know if it was a crime then or not, but they didn't seem to care.

All it would take is a change in leadership. Look what Guiliani did for NYC.

 

On a similar vein, I have noticed in my recent trip to Italy and Greece, that some areas, such as Venice were grossly infected with graffiti. In fact, graffiti worse than most American cities. When I asked about it politely with the locals, they stated that it was merely local artists expressing themselves. Wrong, it is about the culture and not allowing that kind of culture to spoil ancient sites.

Apparently, in some cases, there is no will to do what has to be done.

[riffatsea]

You are right that pickpocketing is rampant in some areas of Europe and that graffitti is not considered a big prob by the Italians.

In the case of graffitti it is a large cultural difference and was a custom that goes back to Roman times. It is not gang related and is truly looked at as an expression of art/politics whatever. When you travel you learn that cultural differences exist and not everyone has the same priorities.

NOW let's take the pickpocket issue--I don't know of any large city in the USA where petty street crime is seen by the police as something they need to spend their time on! They all treat crimes with physical violence as a much higher priority!

I agree that there are more pickpockets in Barcelona than in let's say NYC. Guiliani cleaned up Times Square by moving the prostitutes and homeless to other parts of the city.

When I visit NYC I don't spend much time in Times Square even if it IS cleaned up! I wonder why sooooo many tourists insist on spending their time on Las Ramblas which is the worst most touristy/pickpocket infected area of the city??

Folks who LIVE in Barcelona don't hang out there.

In a country where there is high unemployment and economic probs, I can understand why spending money on building prisons is not a high priority!!! Comfort of tourists is not the #1 issue for other countries. It is incumbent on us to get educated and get smart about how to travel safely. It CAN be done!!

[Rickey 88]

Most of the stealing and pickpocketing is caused by what are known as the "Roma" - essentially vagabonds or gypsies from Romania. They are truly a problem in Barcelona, and are most difficult to catch.

 

Both Britain and France have finally faced up to the problem and have started to crack down. Notice the police at the tube stations in London....

 

France has officially declared the Roma as "unwelcome" in France and have begun sending them back to Romania. They do not want to say that these people are being "deported", but rather are being given a one-way ticket back to their country.

[catllar]

Course, the problem with sending them back to their country is that their country is a member of the EU, so a lot of them just take the money, go back for a while, catch up with family visits, then turn round and come back here again. Nothing to stop them.

[jocap]

Just been a big court case in the Uk, where travellers from East Europe were importing children to steal....Oliver Twist all over.

Jo.

[newfirsttimer]

Just back from Barcelona having spent 2 nights post cruise. Stayed right on La Ramblas and watched the crowds. Did not see any pickpockets at all during the 2 days nor did we see any gypsies. There were several street people begging with cups but you see that everywhere. I know it is a big problem in Barcelona, but we did not experience anything and felt safe everywhere. Fantastic city, will for sure go back.

[Lair Bear]

My sil/bil were visiting Barcelona for the first time--pre cruise. I had warned them about street crime, so they were trying to be careful. They were resting on a bench on Las Ramblas and a man approached asking for directions. Sil stood up to help him. Soon after, they decided to continue their walk. Their back pack, which was on the bench next to bil, was missing. They think he was working with a partner. Missing--$250 sweater, a nice backpack and a couple insignificant items.

 

When you read stories like this and mine (hold on), it makes me wonder why Barcelona is so highly rated as a 'great place to visit'?

Personally, I hate Barcelona!

Why? It is the only city where someone simply robbed me in daylight.

My wife and I had a good time touring and seeing the marvelous sites, but while waiting for a bus some punk just simply grabbed my camera right from my wrist and ran. I followed him for a couple blocks but obviously lost him and my new camera. Report it to the police??? Sure, where are they when you need them in this 'great city'?

So be careful and enjoy.

[hubofhockey]

When you read stories like this and mine (hold on), it makes me wonder why Barcelona is so highly rated as a 'great place to visit'?

Personally, I hate Barcelona!

 

Why? It is the only city where someone simply robbed me in daylight.

My wife and I had a good time touring and seeing the marvelous sites, but while waiting for a bus some punk just simply grabbed my camera right from my wrist and ran. I followed him for a couple blocks but obviously lost him and my new camera. Report it to the police??? Sure, where are they when you need them in this 'great city'?

So be careful and enjoy.

 

I think you answered your own question. But, I will admit that if that happened to me, I'd probably feel the same way. I can tell you one thing. I have no plans to get on any public buses or metros in Barcelona. Taxis are pretty cheap and very convenient in Barcelona. Other than the airport, none of our rides were more than €7. For the most part, we walked everywhere and avoided walking in crowds AND avoided Las Ramblas at night.

[GlendaleCruiser]

While I enjoyed Barcelona well enough last year, I was disappointed that our cruise next May starts there and not Rome. Last year we spent 3 days pre-cruise in Rome and truly took advantage of the time to see wonderful sights and sites. Barcelona to me is just okay. I would have chosen the cruise that starts in Venice, but it is only 9-day and that's not really worth the flights over and trouble.

[Lair Bear]

I think you answered your own question. But, I will admit that if that happened to me, I'd probably feel the same way. I can tell you one thing. I have no plans to get on any public buses or metros in Barcelona.

 

Ah, but the theft of my camera did not happen in a crowded place. And it was not in a little alley either. The young kid knew that he had to have a clear path to run away from. He dodged into a quiet street where no one would stop him. Obviously he also knew that an older fellow like me would have trouble catching him.

So, even taking cabs would not have solved my situation. Staying in our hotel all day probably would have. Not going to Barcelona would have been even better.

[cruisemom42]

I lost my wallet to pickpockets in Barcelona. Do I hate the city for it, of course not. It is certainly not the fault of the lovely Gaudi buildings, the Gothic cathedral, or the Miro museum that thieves made off with my belongings.

 

I have enjoyed visits to Barcelona and see no reason not to return. Since my wallet was lifted I have become wiser and more stealthy as to where I stash my stuff.

[starwhite2]

I lost my wallet to pickpockets in Barcelona. Do I hate the city for it, of course not. It is certainly not the fault of the lovely Gaudi buildings, the Gothic cathedral, or the Miro museum that thieves made off with my belongings.

 

I have enjoyed visits to Barcelona and see no reason not to return. Since my wallet was lifted I have become wiser and more stealthy as to where I stash my stuff.

 

Welcome back Cruisemom! How was your trip? I followed your itinerary in my mind for about 6 days - then got confused where you were. I'm sure you learned a lot.