I'm getting the impression that Barcelona is overrun by petty crime. Do I really need to be so concerned about my purse that it won't be fun?

You are right to be concerned but wrong <BR>to worry.Just do as the locals do-eg <BR>dont sling your bag over one shoulder. <BR> I once watched a young German couple being robbed there - they had actually <BR>put their passports etc in that little bag at the back of the rucksack!The thief merely waved leaflets (for hotels I assume) in front of their faces & at <BR>the same time opened the bag with his other hand.It was so crowded I could only watch...nobody deserves that but it <BR>was stupid.Talk to travellers, pick up <BR>tips,dont carry all your money with you. <BR>use cards, cheques etc.Enjoy!

I had my purse stolen in front of the Picasso Museum, midday. This was 12 years ago, before I was aware of how stupid it was to even carry one. I lost a lot. Clung to it and my companion knocked the guy down, but the strap broke and he threw the purse to his partner on a scooter. When I went to the consulate to get a new passport, there were literally dozens of us, all with the same sad, sheepish looks. They caught my guy and I identified him in a lineup, but according to a policeman, he is part of a huge ring of thieves. Be ultra careful!!

Hi Katy: <BR> <BR>I am a native New Yorker and my strategies abroad are the same as at home. I never carry anything important in my purse. Never. Be smart and get a traveller's wallet to wear inside your clothes. You can use safety pins to pin it inside your waistband. I put my passport and airline tix in it and cash in the currency of the country. I don't recommend putting your passport in a hotel safe--I never feel secure that way. <BR> <BR>I do carry a purse and keep a small bill or two and change in my wallet. <BR> <BR>Finally, just don't have lots of money on hand. USE THE ATMs. If you do all of the above you'll have no reason to worry. Have fun!!

Petty thieves are like jackals; they seek out the most obvious prey. If they have a choice between someone wearing a zipped-up jacket, no visible pockets and head up, looking around, or someone with a handbag, lots of bulging pockets, and oblivious to his/her surroundings, guess which one they'll pick... <BR>We've never been robbed (though we were harassed by a couple of thieving women) because we carry valuables (credit cards, atm cards, cash, passport) out of sight and our totebags/one shoulder backpacks that hold the umbrellas, maps, etc. close to the body. <BR>Our only close call was 'cause we were stupid; 1:30am in Clichy in Paris metro; nearly mugged. We were the limping wildebeests that the jackals spotted... <BR>

A GREAT city! Don't let the pickpocket warnings scare you off; just take care as the others have suggested and you will enjoy it.

Katy- I was in Barcelona just 3 weeks ago. It was my first time and I can't wait to return. Just be "street wise", don't carry large amounts of cash ANYWHERE, not just Barcelona. I did not have any problems and never saw any crime while there. It is a wonderful city and you MUST see it. Go and enjoy, just use common sense. Have fun, wish i was there too!