Madrid petty crime vs. other cities
May 25th, 2004, 06:13 AM
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Madrid petty crime vs. other cities
I have been recently researching Madrid, and I have seen a recurring theme concerning bag snatching and pickpocketing in Madrid.
I am aware that such things happen in all the big European cities and while I have toured many of Europe's big cities(got back from Lisbon yesterday) without having problems(except for a near incident in Pisa), it seems to me that I am seeing more than the usual number of negative stories concerning Madrid.
Am I just being unlucky in my research or is there something to it.
And while I have your attention, I understand also that some parts of the Gran Via is better than others for the above mentioned reason. We would most likely be staying somewhere between directly North of Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Cibeles. Anybody have experience with this stretch of street?
Thanks
I am aware that such things happen in all the big European cities and while I have toured many of Europe's big cities(got back from Lisbon yesterday) without having problems(except for a near incident in Pisa), it seems to me that I am seeing more than the usual number of negative stories concerning Madrid.
Am I just being unlucky in my research or is there something to it.
And while I have your attention, I understand also that some parts of the Gran Via is better than others for the above mentioned reason. We would most likely be staying somewhere between directly North of Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Cibeles. Anybody have experience with this stretch of street?
Thanks
May 25th, 2004, 06:32 AM
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I stayed in Peurta del Sol about 2 years about and never was pickpocketed, robbed etc. You do get the feeling when you should watch yourself...maybe its my old NY instinct. I never bring too much cash with me and just a small bag across the shoulders. Just be aware of your bag or don't even bring one. It seemed to get a bit seedier behind the Cortes Ingles in Sol. Lots of "girls waiting for their boyfriends" as my partner puts it 
. I still never felt unsafe in Sol.
. I still never felt unsafe in Sol.
May 25th, 2004, 10:04 AM
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We were just in Madrid this April. No problems at all with any kind of crime. I didn't notice anything, and no one bothered us. We wandered all over the place and felt completely safe.
In general I've never had any problems anywhere in Europe, and none in NYC either (where I live).
In general I've never had any problems anywhere in Europe, and none in NYC either (where I live).
May 25th, 2004, 10:08 AM
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I have travelled through many countries in Western Europe and, while I myself have never had a problem, my travelling companion (while intoxicated)was pickpocketed in Madrid. I suppose it could have been anywhere, though.
May 25th, 2004, 10:20 AM
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Yep ! Never had a problem in 20 previous trips to Europe, but got my trusty Canon and 8 rolls of shot film taken in Madrid ON EASTER MORNING.
It is not the locals. Both Madrid and Barcelona have tons of South Americans, many Columbian, living there and surviving by their wits.
It is not the locals. Both Madrid and Barcelona have tons of South Americans, many Columbian, living there and surviving by their wits.
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