Bluemocha, thank you for this post and sorry for your misfortunes, although it does appears that despite all that, you truly did enjoy your time in Barcelona.

As someone who travels solo a lot, and although I always keep my wits about me, warning others of your experiences are very helpful. Barcelona is definitely on my list of places to visit one day and I’m well aware of the pick pocketing that goes on there as well as other places around the world. And while I realize that not all travelers experience pick pocketing or crime of any kind when traveling, others do, and their stories/experiences are always helpful to other fellow travelers.

Thanks again,

jdc

I just spent 20 minute trying to send this thread to the Barcelona Mayor. Technology failed me. Any ideas?

Modern standards are so low, there is no point complaining.

Nobody seems to care anymore.

In all cases of current customer services, if the provider doesn't care then don't complain simply don't spend your cash again.

In the case of Barcelona, if the local police/authorities don't care. Find somewhere else to go.

"
In the case of Barcelona, if the local police/authorities don't care. Find somewhere else to go."

It is the LAW of the country that does not provide for prosecution of pickpockets. It is not a local issue.

"It is the LAW of the country that does not provide for prosecution of pickpockets. It is not a local issue"

If the authorities valued tourism then laws would be changed. ie the authorities don't care : don't go.

How can you have a situation where direct personal crime in public cannot be prosecuted.

Like the dark ages.

If criminals can't be prosecuted , how do tourists defend themselves ?

"If the authorities valued tourism then laws would be changed. ie the authorities don't care : don't go.'

How long does it take to change laws in a country..(years in mine)?
If some people feel "under attack" when they go to a destination - you are right - the should not go.
Leaves more room for those who love Spain, have enjoyed Barcelona without any fear or incidents , and will continue to do so.
.

This is the form if you want to email the Mayor of Barcelona, Mr. Jordi Hereu: http://www.bcn.es/alcalde/ca/contacte.htm

"Leaves more room for those who love Spain, have enjoyed Barcelona without any fear or incidents , and will continue to do so"

Is one of the more ridiculous statements I have read in these parts for some time.

"I love Spain" ergo "I won't be pickpocketed"

Actually leaves you more vulnerable, with less visitors at some stage just you will be left to rob.

Give me strength.

Bluemocha - thank you for posting this warning about the pickpockets. We will be in Barcelona for 5 days in early November and your warning is duly noted. Now I'm a little apprehensive about lugging a professional camera around. I was so looking forward to taking beautiful pictures of the city of Barcelona but now wondering if this is advisable? Any thoughts from other travellers?

your logic leaves a lot to be desired!
Where do you get the idea that ALL tourists are victimized because they love a destination and continue to visit a country.

As for a ridiculous statement how about:

" WE aren't tourists. They are the sort that wander round following morons with flags or umbrellas in groups of 50. I'd say we are travellers (big difference)."

Ergo, we are better ....
Or, just pretentious.

viajero, i found this form and could not make it work. I'll try again

No it has an internal http fault. Bit like the Ideas box with no slot in the top :-?

kukunutgirl,
I don't want to tell you whether or not your should bring your camera. I just want to let you know that we just returned from a trip to Barcelona & points north, & we were not pickpocketed, nor did we witness any pickpocket attempts. We did have a negative experience in our hotel, unforunately, but not pickpocket attempts.

Can you carry your camera in a bag that you can wear across your chest? I boughth a travel bag from REI & have it used on two international trips, & feel that my possessions are safe.

I filled the form and went thru fine....! There are non-optional fields, so make sure all those have info.

kukunutgirl
I carried my digi SLR camera and 2nd lens in a wee rucksack and had no problems. Took lots of pics....

When it comes to Barcelona it is not a matter of IF, it is a matter of WHEN....

"your logic leaves a lot to be desired"

That was your logic, you barm cake. I can't a argue with someone who doesn't have the intellectual capacity to do so.

It's like kicking a football against a brick wall.

Viajero, maybe it will not work from outside Spain. I give up

I am in the Northeast USA....:-?

When it comes to Barcelona it is not a matter of IF, it is a matter of WHEN....

I must be doing something wrong...I feel very left out. Several visits to Barca, neither saw nor experienced these issues.