We are experienced travellers and know all about money belts, personal saftey, awareness of surroundings etc., and have travelled to places where tourists are advised to watch out. But, every travel guide I read on Spain urges extreme caution because of the high unemployment rate which has led to high crime rates. Warnings include not just the typical purse snatching and pickpocketing, but also muggings and a lot of theft from not just parked cars but also stopping cars on major motor routes. I've also checked the US, Canadian, Australian & British government web sites which carry such warnings. What is the reality? Is crime rife, or are these all just "watch your back and be aware of possibilities" type warnings? I am not paranoid and usually am not concerned about such cautions, but these warnings seem to be pervasive. Also, are the main areas to worry about Madrid, Barcelona and the major Costa del Sol resorts? I'd appreciate any 1st hand knowledge.

I never encountered any danger in any part of Spain, the same for all other European countries. After living in New York and now in Mexico City for many years, I think Europe is a lot safer. Don't worry and enjoy. Just take the normal precautions you would in any big city, and avoid certain areas.

Hi Julie<BR><BR>I find these sorts of questions very difficult to deal with because everyone's comfort zone is different.<BR><BR>Nowhere in Spain (or indeed anywhere else in Europe)would stop me for a second; but there are heaps of places in the US I wouldn't go (mostly downtown big cities). I think TV is the culprit

Barcelona can be a little intimidating even in the tourist areas as visitors are known as an easy touch and the local police can appear uncaring. Bag snatching can be a problem as it all happens in five seconds but if you live in America spain will seem like a crime free dream. Please dont worry overmuch about the Costas, take the usual precautions and you will be fine

Thanks much. I am not a worrier and know when to exercise caution and can generally figure out situations and neighborhoods to avoid. But, I appreciate the input because you do start to wonder what the reality is. We've watched scam artists and other con people in Budapest in particular. We also heard all of the precautiions before travelling in Romania and never had any problems, but I was just double checking on what those who had actually been there thought.

<BR><BR>&quot;But, every travel guide I read on Spain urges extreme caution because of the high unemployment rate which has led to high crime rates.&quot;<BR><BR>When people can't find work, they often resort to desperate measures. If Spain's unemployment rate is a lot higher than in other countries in Europe (and I don't know if it is or not) then it seems reasonable that the rate of &quot;property&quot; crimes might also be higher. <BR><BR>While there's no guarantee that a tourist won't be hit by crime in Spain, thousands of tourists visit Spain each year without being a victim of crime. <BR>

I spent a Monday at the Madrid US Embassy with my friend whose passport was stolen in the Prado museum.I was absolutely amazed as we sat and waired to hear the stories of others in the same situation.The saddest thing was that there is a definite increase in the violence.It wasn't just pickpockets,bag snatching butknives to the throuat,pushed to the ground,tires slashed.I left witha heavy hart.Thisis not the Spain I remembered from many visits.My Spanish friends' parents are dismayed,embarassed,dumbfounded and saying this would not have been allowed to happen during Franco's time!I think Spain is also shocked and doesn't quite know what to do.<BR> People say it can happen anywhere.I disagree.I have lived in many places in USA and I know I can walk about without always watching my bag in a supermarket,restaurant, museum.I also know where not to go in Chicago, New York, LA, etc.<BR> The police in Spain need direction fromabove as to what to do.From what I understand ,even if they do apprehend the criminals and they are illegal residents ,they cannot prosecute them and so they are released.<BR> The person at the embassy had told us that the situation was getting so bad that they had extend their hours to issue passports.There were meetings going on and now there is a special office set up to help out the tourists.Tourism is after all Spain's numer one attraction and I did feel the increase in security last summer,so it will get better.Tourists do need to leave their comfort zone at home and be aware of their surroundings but by all means continue to visit Spain!

For your information: <BR>Spanish Unemployment rate is 9%.<BR>The real problem is the high illegal immigration.

The Spanish go out at night and drive all over the place, so just &quot;watch your back and be aware of possibilities&quot;<BR><BR>My sister got her wallet snatched within fifteen minutes or so of getting to the Al Hambra. She reported it and was told to come back at the end of the day. Sure enough, after the pickpocket COB, the wallet was there, minus the cash.<BR><BR>

During 3 days in Madrid i was mugged 3 times. I managed to fight the muggers off each time, but who is to say the fourth mugger wouldn't have had a gun instead of a knife? In Barcelona, i was far more frightened of police who stopped every foreigner than muggers, although one drunk made a clumsy attempt to snatch my day pack.