Which Barcelona web site?

Not sure about carjacking but the Rambla is the top pickpocketing hotspot in Europe so be very aware! Amazing city though, and as for the car, maybe just get one for the day when you want to go somewhere, as the transport links are pretty good.
Have a good time!

When you say "hiring a car", I assume you mean renting a car, as opposed to hiring a limo/driver to transport you around?

If you're planning to rent, most of those frequenting this site will likely advise you to use public transportation and/or taxis to get around Barcelona, or most any other large European city. I agree - though Barcelona may not be as terrifying to drive in as Rome or Paris, for example, it's still difficult if you are not a native - especially in the older parts of town. And parking will be expensive.

I enjoyed driving in the country in Spain, but wouldn't even consider having a car while staying in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, etc.

....Rambla is the top pickpocketing hotspot in Europe.....

I know that is suppose to be conventional wisdom and advice. We have been four times and don't think that is any different than any other major European city. Have never had a problem or see anyone having a problem. The last time we were there (Oct 09) the police were everywhere.

<<We have been four times and don't think that is any different than any other major European city.>>

Your experience belies statistics. Not saying I would discourage anyone from visiting Barcelona or Las Ramblas, but do a simple Google search and you'll see that the pickpocketing situation there is far worse than in "any other major European city" and most other places. Facts are facts.

I have to agree with fmpden, having walked down Las Ramblas on many occasions, both day and night. Just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.

Pickpockets are always on the lookout for 'victims', most of which invite a pickpockets interest.

You're not thinking of renting a car and driving it in Barcelona are you? A car in the center of any european city is an exercise in frustration- lots of traffic and no place to park (except at very high price). If you're staying in and traveling around the city use either public transit or taxi (stil way less than car rental plus garages).

hi to you all and thanks for your reply's we are hiring the car not just to drive around Barcelona but also for around Spain in answer to which web site it was the Barcelona tourist guide site plus if you Google carjacking in Barcelona you will get more information and again thanks

There's a lot of pickpocketing i other places in Barcelona besides Las Rambls such as in Metro stations, at the very overcrowded Sagrada Familia, etc., and not to mention the pickpocketing that goes on in places like Notre Dame in Paris where there is a sign telling you to be careful of them.

You do NOT, IMO, need a car to travel around IN Barcelona..it is a waste of time and energy.

I don't think you need to be very worried as long as you take reasonable precautions. If you're flying into Barcelona, don't hire (I take it that you're European using the term "hire" instead of "rent") the car until you want to travel outside the city. You definitely don't want it whilst you're sightseeing in the town itself. When walking round, take the precautions you'd take anywhere, don't be overt with expensive cameras, jewellery etc.

I've driven in most directions from Barcelona and never had a problem. Once out of town, if it makes you feel better, keep the doors locked when you're stationary and don't leave valuables in open view when you're parked.

There are lots of scare stories if you look for them and I don't want to underplay the need to be careful, but don't let it ruin your time there because most visitors don't have a problem.

There have been incidents along the AP-7, the major motorway from the French border along the Mediterranean coast. Especially at remote rest areas without other facilities (gas stations, restaurants) you will see big signs in several languages discouraging you from wandering away from your car, esp. after dark.

There is one simple strategy to avoid the usual scam: Do not stop.
Modern cars are equipped with so many sensors that any serious failure will make some lights flash or warning messages pop up on the display. So there is little that someone from outside could "discover".
If another driver signals you some problems, do not stop but at a safe location, i.e. a gas station.

In rural Catalunya or Spain in general I would not consider carjacking a major risk. Even though you should not leave valuables in the car at any time or any place (not just in Spain).

hi again and thanks for reply s and yes i did come for Europe over 11 years ago but now live in Barbados so we do not see much crime one of the reasons for leaving England was that my wife and i had a road rage attack in 1999 and that was for slowing down at a roundabout hey that life anyway looking forward Spain and all its lovely people thanks again

Alright StCriq, what are the facts? Give me a reference. Simply saying facts are facts is not much of a fact.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?cd=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102622795620184989650.000483bf802043f05fce8&ll=41.385803,2.158422&spn=0.028214,0.070092&source=embed

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/spain-is-top-theft-hotspot-for-british-citizens-traveling-abroad

http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2010/07/pickpocket-statistics/

http://www.avui.cat/noticia/article/2-societat/5-societat/389132-academia-de-lladres.html

More?

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-09-15/entertainment/27075423_1_pickpockets-travel-tripadvisor-com

http://spainforvisitors.com/archive/features/crimeandsafety_1.htm

http://blogs.fxstreet.com/francesc/2010/09/22/global-pickpocket-top-ten-barcelona-wins-for-second-year-in-a-row-what-a-shame/

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/general/barcelona-car-crime-safety-tips.html

http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2008/03/barcelona-street-crime/

http://barcelona.wantedineurope.com/news/news.php?id_n=6055