DH was returning from a business trip today and had a 6:20am flight from BCN. As he put his carryon suitcase on the security belt, his backpack shifted somewhat so he put it on the floor next to his feet. In the instant it took to put the bag on the belt, his backpack was taken - and the airport was fairly deserted at 5am needless to say. Lost was a laptop, blackberry, digital camera, etc. Most unfortunate of all is losing the day's worth of photos on the camera and great memories of Barcelona. This is someone who travels extensively and is usually over cautious. Obviously, someone had been watching and was ready and waiting.

I certainly don't think this type of crime is restricted to Barcelona. Hell, it could happen at any airport.....yes, even in the USA!

cmeyer, that is upsetting, I am sorry. It is hard to keep track of everything when checking in, going through security etc. A good reminder to all of us to be real alert. I always put my carryone between my feet. And feel so clunky doing so. But it does seem safer. Take care.

Yes, these crimes could happen in the US, but for some reason they seem to happen in Europe far more often.

Yikes! that sounds pretty bad to me, to have people swooping in and grabbing stuff from people at the security belt. I'm not that blase, I do think this is particularly bad and appreciate the warning as I'm thinking of flying to Barcelona this year.

It can happen anywhere-the thefts I mean. But I seem to hear about pickpockets and theft more from Barcelona and Madrid than other European cities. I don't know why, could be just coincidence that 3/4 of the people I know who have been to Barcelona and Madrid were robbed. One recent friend did something stupid-forgetting to lock his backpack-and he had his digital camera (and all the memories) stolen.

I agree--it is rampant in Madrid and Barcelona. I got hit 2 years ago in Madrid on EASTER SUNDAY no less. Lost my camera and 9 days of Semana Santa photos. They are not locals--mostly south Americans and they are pros--literally. That is how they live.

There are professional thieves in every major airport and every large city. Perhaps the security in airports in Spain is lacking?

but I agree that in the airport I never let go of anything (if stopping for a snack I even wrap the strap of my purse and carryon around my foot - as well as putting them under my table). Really - you need to do this in public places anywhere in the world.

Close friends were wandering through Barcelona, when a big blob of bird poop landed on his shoulder. A "kind" gentleman standing close to him said "that brings you good luck - here, let me help you clean it off. I have a bottle of water I'm about finished with". Well - you probably know what happens next - the kind guy picked his pocket. He must have had an accomplice close by with a squirt gun full of simulated bird poop.

When our friends were standing in line at the airport for their return trip, they we chatting with some other Americans, and found out that they were "picked" the exact same way.

Stu Dudley