Thieves Are Thriving in Barcelona

[cruisemom42]

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.

 

Hi -- so as not to hijack this thread, I'll just say that I've been posting reviews here and there for the various ports (or things in those ports) from my cruise, if you're interested:

 

Antalya and Iskenderun (Turkey): http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1291482

 

Acropolis Museum review: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1290949

 

Haifa, Israel: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=26478475&postcount=16

 

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=26518714&postcount=20

 

 

I am still sorting through my approximately 2,000 photos! If there is something you particularly want to hear about, let me know and I'll get to it next.

[Lair Bear]

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.

 

A city is not just buildings and churches. It is made up of people and when those people don't care about others coming to visit, then I have no respect for them or their city.

When you walk down Las Rambles at nine in the morning it is dull, and it is only the people who make it interesting later in the day. But when you have to constantly worry about the guy behind you and think if he or she might be the next thief, do you still think it is a fun place to be? I for one don't!

 

Trip Advisor just named the ten worst places in the world because of thieves. And guess which city was on top of the list. Yes, Barcelona.

But in addition there were three more in Spain. Now, that does not say much for the citizens, police and politicians who should be doing a bit better than they are protecting the tourists.

 

So, as far as I am concerned, I hate Barcelona and probably will not see much more of Spain for that matter. I hope you will have better luck.

[cheffip]

Trip Advisor just named the ten worst places in the world because of thieves. And guess which city was on top of the list. Yes, Barcelona.

 

So, as far as I am concerned, I hate Barcelona and probably will not see much more of Spain for that matter.

 

Based on the Tripadvisor list, I guess you won't be going to Rome, Paris, London, Athens, Lisbon or Prague either.

[hubofhockey]

Based on the Tripadvisor list, I guess you won't be going to Rome, Paris, London, Athens, Lisbon or Prague either.

 

I posted a link on post #32 in this thread relating to statistics of robberies by country and no other country in the world even came close to Spain. I wouldn't suggest that tourists not be extra careful in those other cities. But the problem in Barcelona and in Spain takes crime to a new level. It's not enough to keep me away. It is enough to make me drastically change my behavior. People here protest some of the warnings on these threads and say it is no different from other cities. Statistics just don't prove that out. Sooner or later, Barcelona will actually do something about this problem. But they may not be motivated right now with the growing popularity of the city and all of the cruise ship traffic going there.

[Susan-M]

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.

 

It could have been worse. My mother (80 yrs. old) was attacked in daylight in a mall parking lot in Florida by a teenage girl trying to steal my mom's purse. It was a very nasty incident, leaving my mom with cuts, bruises and a broken rib. Interestingly, my mom has never said that she hates Florida since she knows this could happen in any number of places. She recovered quickly, didn't dwell on it and returned to Florida for subsequent visits and thoroughly enjoyed herself ... but she's never been one to focus on the negative.

[hubofhockey]

It could have been worse. My mother (80 yrs. old) was attacked in daylight in a mall parking lot in Florida by a teenage girl trying to steal my mom's purse. It was a very nasty incident, leaving my mom with cuts, bruises and a broken rib. Interestingly, my mom has never said that she hates Florida since she knows this could happen in any number of places. She recovered quickly, didn't dwell on it and returned to Florida for subsequent visits and thoroughly enjoyed herself ... but she's never been one to focus on the negative.

 

I hope that you are not suggesting that anyone is just as likely to be robbed in tourist areas of Florida (or anywhere else) as they are in Barcelona.

[Susan-M]

I hope that you are not suggesting that anyone is just as likely to be robbed in tourist areas of Florida (or anywhere else) as they are in Barcelona.

Who am I to dispute Tripadvisor's ranking? Seriously though, I don't even think I implied that.

[hubofhockey]

Who am I to dispute Tripadvisor's ranking? Seriously though, I don't even think I implied that.

 

It's not a Trip Advisor ranking. The ranking is based on crimes per capita. Spain is close to double the next country in robberies. Of course, there are instances like those that happened to your mother. My point is that tourists are far safer in Florida (or just about anywhere) than they are in Barcelona. I don't think I will be wearing a money belt or travel wallet anytime soon in Florida. But I hope all people who go to Barcelona do. There is a difference and statistics bear it out.

[Susan-M]

There is a difference and statistics bear it out.

 

I'm aware of that and agree that wearing a money belt is important when traveling, and not just to Barcelona. Yes, it's a bit unusual to wear one in Florida, however, had my mother been wearing one, it would have save her a lot of grief, so perhaps not a bad idea.

[graceinmelbourne]

We used a Pacsafe antiftheft bag when we were on our cruise. This is a bag which has many anti theft features which make it very difficult for even the most skilled pickpocket to get into your bag. We used it everywhere we went including Barcelona and it was very handy for carrying wallets, cameras etc. My husband wore it across his body to that it could not be snatched. It has metal inside the straps so it can't be cut. You can buy them online.

 

When we were in Barcelona we met a woman at our hotel who was about to board the same ship as us who had everything stolen the night before including passports. She was frantically trying to organise new passports etc. before the ship sailed.

 

We didn't see any police presence at all in Barcelona. When we were there it was a public holiday called Le Merce. When we were walking down Las Ramblas there was a parade and suddenly there was a huge crowd crush. We could not move for ages and we had kids with us. It was quite scary and there were no police controlling the crowd. It was quite a dangerous situation and the pick pockets would have had a field day. Barcelona is far from my favourite city in Europe and the fact that you are always on guard there makes it even less appealing.

[Andym]

Not our experience in Barcelona, we too were there during the Merce. There were tons of police on las Ramblas. As for the parade, it's a religeous parade that people take part in, they follow everything along, hence the crowd push.

We thought it was better this year than previous years, we only saw one pea game taking place and they quickly scooted off when the police walked down.

[graceinmelbourne]

Not our experience in Barcelona, we too were there during the Merce. There were tons of police on las Ramblas. As for the parade, it's a religeous parade that people take part in, they follow everything along, hence the crowd push.

We thought it was better this year than previous years, we only saw one pea game taking place and they quickly scooted off when the police walked down.

 

I think we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was crowded but suddenly it became a crush. No police to be seen at part of Las Ramblas. People were pushing and shoving and becoming very agitated. Maybe the police were at the other end of the street at that time.

[sandysgarden]

We are leaving tomorrow for the Oct 30th cruise. Will spend 2 nights in Barcelona first. These safety warnings have me concerned about my arrival plans: we would get to the airport around 9:30 pm and were planning on taking the bus which would take us to the main square. From there we were going to walk the few blocks to our hotel. Bad idea? Should we just take a taxi all the way? I think that may be the safer thing to do.

[graceinmelbourne]

We are leaving tomorrow for the Oct 30th cruise. Will spend 2 nights in Barcelona first. These safety warnings have me concerned about my arrival plans: we would get to the airport around 9:30 pm and were planning on taking the bus which would take us to the main square. From there we were going to walk the few blocks to our hotel. Bad idea? Should we just take a taxi all the way? I think that may be the safer thing to do.

 

I would get a taxi just because it is easier and more convenient than having to get on a bus, get your luggage off and then walk to your hotel. It may be a bit cheaper but it is probably worth getting a cab. It cost us about 28 euro to get to our hotel from airport but cost would be dependant on traffic conditions.

[sandysgarden]

Thanks!

[Longtonian]

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.

 

"Europe, on the other hand, seems to have surrendered to many things, including thievery".

Really? To which other things have we surrendered?

Please do tell.

Rather a broad generalisation about a continent comprising 40 odd countries.

[Aviator of the Seas]

"Europe, on the other hand, seems to have surrendered to many things, including thievery".

Really? To which other things have we surrendered?

Please do tell.

Rather a broad generalisation about a continent comprising 40 odd countries.

 

No offense was intended. I'd like to stress the part about "seems to have" or what it appears to be from afar, and that is, given up on the security of your own people over political correctness.

 

That's what it looks like from the other side of the ocean. I'll find out for myself soon enough and I truly hope that the whole thievery issue is overblown and that the constant threads and warnings about security that pop up here are proven wrong.

 

In fact, since the post you are quoting, I have seeked out people who have recently been to Europe, including two with family there, and they say that Europe is safe enough in spite of the uncontolled immigration problem/issue. I feel more confident after doing that excercise.

 

But I still wish that the Spanish authorities would consider "petty" theft to be a crime, not just "__it happens".

 

Looking forward to visiting the country of my ancestors, and again, sorry for the offensive generalisation.

[catllar]

I feel reassured you think our side of the pond is "safe enough inspite of our uncontrolled immigration policies" I'll sleep better knowing that! Talk about generalisation!

[chipmaster]

I second just take the taxi, likely about 30-40 euros, seems pricy but after a long flight nice to get dropped directly at the lobby.

 

Others may disagree but we found Barcelona a wondeful city and only wished we had more than 36 hours to explore it. Be aware, tourist smart and you'll be fine. Look lost and be careless and yes the opportunistic thieves could take you to town.

 

Good luck!

 

We are leaving tomorrow for the Oct 30th cruise. Will spend 2 nights in Barcelona first. These safety warnings have me concerned about my arrival plans: we would get to the airport around 9:30 pm and were planning on taking the bus which would take us to the main square. From there we were going to walk the few blocks to our hotel. Bad idea? Should we just take a taxi all the way? I think that may be the safer thing to do.

[lurvecruise]

taxi is my choice:D we pay thousands for cruise and air fare why not pay extra 30 euro for safety and convenience.

[graceinmelbourne]

You would probably know this but we were warned by the manager of our hotel to never take passports with you when you are walking around Barcelona. He said that the thieves are very, very skilled and if you get a passport stolen it is not an easy process to get a new one. Make sure you leave your passport in the safe at the hotel. He said there are many people that take their passports with them when they go out.

[Aviator of the Seas]

I feel reassured you think our side of the pond is "safe enough inspite of our uncontrolled immigration policies" I'll sleep better knowing that! Talk about generalisation!

 

I see that France is doing something about it. Thanks.

[Eightydays]

Originally Posted by Aviator of the Seas

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.

Wow, this is an inaccurate assumption/generalization. When my Dad's wallet was picked in Rome, the police recovered the wallet and money. Took about 2 hours to get the thieves to cough it up but the police persevered.

Also, thievery is certainly alive and well here on this side of the pond in capitalist New York.

[Aviator of the Seas]

Originally Posted by Aviator of the Seas

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.

 

 

Wow, this is an inaccurate assumption/generalization. When my Dad's wallet was picked in Rome, the police recovered the wallet and money. Took about 2 hours to get the thieves to cough it up but the police persevered.

Also, thievery is certainly alive and well here on this side of the pond in capitalist New York.

 

 

 

Okay, so Rome is good to go as is Southern France. Great. Looking forward to hearing more good news like this, especially from Spain.

[Hlitner]

Okay, so Rome is good to go as is Southern France. Great. Looking forward to hearing more good news like this, especially from Spain.

 

We would feel much safer in the south of France or Rome (at night) then in San Juan :)

 

Hank