Attention: Women who have traveled alone in Europe
Mar 27th, 2011, 05:06 PM
#21
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Sorry -
Robbery is taking valuables from someone by force with the use or threat of a weapon
Burglary is breaking into a car or house and stealing valuables
These are considered serious crimes.
Pickpocketing or street scams are petty crimes - and most are probably not reported due to the limited loss, potential embarassment and unwillingness to waste hours reporting to the police and filling in forms.
(I at one time had a ditzy roommate who would have her purse rifled about once a month on the subway. She had a huge, open purse, always put it on the seat next to her and rummaged around, then left it open. He check book was stolen so many times that the bank closed her account. And one summer we had a very naive intern coming in from NJ who lost money on the way to work every morning to the guys playing 3 card monte on the street. since he had won the first day he refused to believe it was a scam and ended up losing a couple of hundred $ before he finally gave up. You can;t protect people from themselves.)
Robbery is taking valuables from someone by force with the use or threat of a weapon
Burglary is breaking into a car or house and stealing valuables
These are considered serious crimes.
Pickpocketing or street scams are petty crimes - and most are probably not reported due to the limited loss, potential embarassment and unwillingness to waste hours reporting to the police and filling in forms.
(I at one time had a ditzy roommate who would have her purse rifled about once a month on the subway. She had a huge, open purse, always put it on the seat next to her and rummaged around, then left it open. He check book was stolen so many times that the bank closed her account. And one summer we had a very naive intern coming in from NJ who lost money on the way to work every morning to the guys playing 3 card monte on the street. since he had won the first day he refused to believe it was a scam and ended up losing a couple of hundred $ before he finally gave up. You can;t protect people from themselves.)
Mar 27th, 2011, 05:23 PM
#22
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Barcelona is in a class by itself. Although it has never happened to me every time I have been there I come across many people that have had a bad experience.Tthe last time I was there even the hotel gave us a written "beware!" notice.
Just carry the bare minimum that you'll need for the day. No need to carry your passport around, leave it in the safe-deposit box.
Just carry the bare minimum that you'll need for the day. No need to carry your passport around, leave it in the safe-deposit box.
Mar 27th, 2011, 05:25 PM
#23
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I was in Barcelona in December 2010. I am a woman who travels alone. I was not robbed or mugged and to the best of my knowledge, nobody tried to pick my pockets. That being said, be careful, especially on and around Las Ramblas. I had one very scary moment, being grabbed by a man I assumed was homeless and not well. This was in the middle of the day with hundreds of people around. Thankfully, someone stepped in to help and I was fine(and no, the good samaritan was not part of a scam to steal my valuables, he happened to be a tourist staying at my hotel). I too am from New York so perhaps you may be more aware than someone from a more rural area but after trips to several European cities, Barcelona is the only place I felt insecure. Perhaps that's because of all of the news about the crime there. Be aware and take sensible precautions. Barcelona is beautiful and has a lot to see and do. Safe travels!
Mar 27th, 2011, 05:48 PM
#24
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A few things.
My wife and her than 73 old sister walked 500 miles across northern Spain for the Camino a few years ago. They slept in co-ed facilities almost every night. Nothing happened.
_______________________________________________
There are approximately 1.5 poeople who live in Barcelona. There are 8 million people who live in NYC, 17 million total in the metro area, and 46 million visitors a year. There is very little crime in the tourist areas, especially violent crime. Most of the violent crimes occur in certain precincts.
_______________________________________
No one can ensure another's safety any where. And we have visited Barcelona since 1972 and there have always been rough areas even under Franco. But as others have noted, if you are aware, you should enjoy one of the world's unique cities.
My wife and her than 73 old sister walked 500 miles across northern Spain for the Camino a few years ago. They slept in co-ed facilities almost every night. Nothing happened.
_______________________________________________
There are approximately 1.5 poeople who live in Barcelona. There are 8 million people who live in NYC, 17 million total in the metro area, and 46 million visitors a year. There is very little crime in the tourist areas, especially violent crime. Most of the violent crimes occur in certain precincts.
_______________________________________
No one can ensure another's safety any where. And we have visited Barcelona since 1972 and there have always been rough areas even under Franco. But as others have noted, if you are aware, you should enjoy one of the world's unique cities.
Mar 27th, 2011, 06:02 PM
#25
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I've travelled alone to London and Paris in the last 5 years.
I was pickpocketed in Paris - but I was being careless, so while I won't go as far as saying it was my fault, I certainly am guilty of not paying attention. I was on the metro - with my backpack on my back. My wallet was zippered into an inside pocket inside the backpack. I felt a tug on it at one point, and even looked around, but nothing.
Suspiciously, I stopped when I arrived street level and realized it was gone. However, I had taken precautions and it was only about 20 euros and one credit card. I had a copy (front and back) of the credit card in my luggage, so I took the metro back to my hotel (I still had my carnet in my jeans pocket), called the credit card company immediately, and got my backup card out of my luggage. For some reason, I had taken out from my wallet my ATM card that morning, so it wasn't taken.
All in all, it wasn't a big deal - because I had minimized my risk and didn't panic. I was lucky to have had a good backup plan also.
I was pickpocketed in Paris - but I was being careless, so while I won't go as far as saying it was my fault, I certainly am guilty of not paying attention. I was on the metro - with my backpack on my back. My wallet was zippered into an inside pocket inside the backpack. I felt a tug on it at one point, and even looked around, but nothing.
Suspiciously, I stopped when I arrived street level and realized it was gone. However, I had taken precautions and it was only about 20 euros and one credit card. I had a copy (front and back) of the credit card in my luggage, so I took the metro back to my hotel (I still had my carnet in my jeans pocket), called the credit card company immediately, and got my backup card out of my luggage. For some reason, I had taken out from my wallet my ATM card that morning, so it wasn't taken.
All in all, it wasn't a big deal - because I had minimized my risk and didn't panic. I was lucky to have had a good backup plan also.
Mar 27th, 2011, 06:34 PM
#26
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<<every time I have been there I come across many people that have had a bad experience
Yes, me, too. My husband visits about every 3-4 years for business, and comes home each time with stories of co-workers being the victim of pickpockets. One guy got his camera stolen - and the next day was pickpocketed!
While I was there last time, I heard a story about an iphone getting stolen. The woman it belonged to was seated outside, and put her phone down on the edge of the table, and it got lifted by a passer-by. That was a pretty stupid for her to have done (anywhere).
Yes, me, too. My husband visits about every 3-4 years for business, and comes home each time with stories of co-workers being the victim of pickpockets. One guy got his camera stolen - and the next day was pickpocketed!
While I was there last time, I heard a story about an iphone getting stolen. The woman it belonged to was seated outside, and put her phone down on the edge of the table, and it got lifted by a passer-by. That was a pretty stupid for her to have done (anywhere).
Mar 27th, 2011, 10:19 PM
#27
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I was pick pocketed for the first time in my life in Istanbul last November. I even put my wallet in my front pocket for protection.
It caused much inconvenience but did not ruin my trip, nor did I dwell on it. And over the years I have spent a year in total in Spain, and have seen street crimes but have never been a victim.
One BIL was a victim of crime in Madrid a number of years ago. His wife went back to Madrid last year after his death to reclaim Madrid as a place that is more than sight of a pickpocketing. Like everything else, it the perspective. She is now considering spending a full month there next year.
It caused much inconvenience but did not ruin my trip, nor did I dwell on it. And over the years I have spent a year in total in Spain, and have seen street crimes but have never been a victim.
One BIL was a victim of crime in Madrid a number of years ago. His wife went back to Madrid last year after his death to reclaim Madrid as a place that is more than sight of a pickpocketing. Like everything else, it the perspective. She is now considering spending a full month there next year.
Mar 28th, 2011, 02:22 AM
#28
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Once I posted last night I was having a hard time believing those numbers myself.. and wondered if i had multiplied wrong, etc.
As you have noted, perhaps "petty crime" is not listed.. but I believe the Barcelona stats do include street "robberies/petty crime" as the article was based n that aspect of the city.
(Do remember, Barcelona receives 1,000's of cruisers from deluxe and not so deluxe ships almost everyday of the year. The city has an amazing number of day-trippers so to speak, so it is a haven for these lowlifes.)
Also, the NYC stats are for a period of time, I now notice.. not the entire year.
The population difference is also great.. however.. all said.. we just need to keep our guard WAY UP:
These thugs are smarter, faster and more organized than you or I could ever believe and no one should feel too guilty of being a tiny bit careless in life..what is not normal is that we have to behave as though we are surrounded by possible danger to our belongings/selves everytime we relax or take a stroll. But that is what it takes ...
As you have noted, perhaps "petty crime" is not listed.. but I believe the Barcelona stats do include street "robberies/petty crime" as the article was based n that aspect of the city.
(Do remember, Barcelona receives 1,000's of cruisers from deluxe and not so deluxe ships almost everyday of the year. The city has an amazing number of day-trippers so to speak, so it is a haven for these lowlifes.)
Also, the NYC stats are for a period of time, I now notice.. not the entire year.
The population difference is also great.. however.. all said.. we just need to keep our guard WAY UP:
These thugs are smarter, faster and more organized than you or I could ever believe and no one should feel too guilty of being a tiny bit careless in life..what is not normal is that we have to behave as though we are surrounded by possible danger to our belongings/selves everytime we relax or take a stroll. But that is what it takes ...
Mar 28th, 2011, 04:06 AM
#29
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I was robbed in the Barcelona metro carrying an ANTI-THEFT purse which I had CROSSED OVER MY CHEST. Girl, Barcelona pickpocketers have supernatural powers! It took less than 30 seconds; they worked in gangs; one of them held the metro door and when I twisted around to check why we weren't moving two of his accomplices use a pen-like device to swiftly sliced open the zipper on my purse and a (tiny) girl (Asian looking) slid her tiny hand on my purse. I never felt a thing; it all became so clear afterwards. The use of this pen-like device was on the Spanish TV news that evening; mostly been used on the metro AND suitcases at airports.
Yes, be paranoid in Barcelona-- the WORST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR PICKPOCKETING. I went to three police stations afterwards and there were HUNDREDS of tourist filing out reports. It is what it is. BTW, I NEVER saw ONE policeman at any Metro station. For a city that is PLAGUED by metro petty crime you would think the authoities would care a tiny bit more... Barcelona?-- you can have it-- I'll take MADRID ANY DAY!! The only reason I go to Barcelona is on business; otherwise it could drop off the ocean and I would not miss it...
Yes, be paranoid in Barcelona-- the WORST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR PICKPOCKETING. I went to three police stations afterwards and there were HUNDREDS of tourist filing out reports. It is what it is. BTW, I NEVER saw ONE policeman at any Metro station. For a city that is PLAGUED by metro petty crime you would think the authoities would care a tiny bit more... Barcelona?-- you can have it-- I'll take MADRID ANY DAY!! The only reason I go to Barcelona is on business; otherwise it could drop off the ocean and I would not miss it...
Mar 28th, 2011, 05:51 AM
#30
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good news alert I just saw on TV.. The Barcelona police have arrested 10 of the most prolierant thieves in Barcelona .According to their files, police say among themselves they had been arrested over 250 times .. 9 of them are in jail ( for one month it seems) and the 10th one for some reason didn't have his hands dirty enough to merit any putting him away for awhile.
Sorry to say it seems the "asian girls" ( which I think may have been gypsies) are still out there!
Sorry to say it seems the "asian girls" ( which I think may have been gypsies) are still out there!
Mar 28th, 2011, 07:28 AM
#31
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>>Sorry to say it seems the "asian girls" ( which I think may have been gypsies) are still out there!<< I May not be able to pinpoint from which East/Southeast Asia country a person may be from, but I can definitely tell that if a person has the eyes, hair, and build of an Oriental person it is likely of Asian origin. This girl DEDFINITELY looked either Chinese, Korean, etc... not "gypsy" whatsoever....
Mar 28th, 2011, 04:54 PM
#36
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I think that attitude and vigilance is everything. Pickpockets are looking for the easy mark. Don't be the easy mark. Given the law of averages, you may get pickpocketed sooner or later anyway - letting your guard down at the wrong time or sometimes the pickpockets are just that good - but by being vigilant and not carrying everything with you or in the same place, you reduce the damage should it happen.
Mar 28th, 2011, 07:38 PM
#37
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I bought a ScotteVest coat with the multiple pockets for this reason (pickpockets) and for the fact that I don't like to carry a purse. Plus, I like the way it looks. A coat isn't very helpful in warm weather but most of our trips are in cooler months.
Mar 29th, 2011, 11:30 AM
#38
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A PS to my comment above ---and to NYTraveler-- it was a large zippered shoulder bag the robber pulled off my shoulder!! (holding my left luggage ticket and he got that too)
.....and the only other time robbed in 50+ years of travelling??? at a 5-star hotel in Zurich!
Allison -- Do not worry -- you will be MORE THAN O.K!
.....and the only other time robbed in 50+ years of travelling??? at a 5-star hotel in Zurich!
Allison -- Do not worry -- you will be MORE THAN O.K!
Apr 5th, 2011, 09:35 AM
#39
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In response to comments that Barcelona is just like every other big city (and comparable to NY) - I have to wonder. This is actually more a comment on NY than Barcelona. Now maybe it is because I am not a tourist or maybe Lady Luck likes me, but I don't feel like I am cautious in NY and yet nothing bad has happened to me (ie no pick pockets or muggings). Despite wandering around the city by myself late at night, not feeling like I am being overly watchful of my purse etc....nothing. I even had a boss who lost her smart phone in a taxi and this woman tracked her down to give it back. Maybe NY is just becoming safer than a lot of other big cities? Is this anyone else's experience?
