ILR220: I can't speak for Rome but my husband and I were in Florence last September. Had no problems whatsoever. Walked all over day and evening. We are in our sixties and not intimidating. I use a Pacsafe purse and my husband does not carry a wallet. Were in crowds often and at the train station. Walked from hotel to train station with bags because of bicycle race screwing up taxi access. No problems. Do not be afraid of Florence. We are going to Spain next year so I have been looking at this forum. BTW: We also went to Pisa on a day trip from Lucca using the public bus. Had no problems there either

Again: these are pickpocketers and not muggers. They look for any opportunity to snatch a wallet or purse and not gun you down.

If you've secured your valuables, you'll be able to enjoy the sights in any major city in Europe without being pickpocketed.

Really? Off the top of my head -

My colleague was holding his small daughter's hand in the Barcelona metro. One thief grabbed the little girl's other arm and tried to pull her away. While her Dad was distracted, the strap of his bag was cut and the bag was stolen. He couldn't go after the thieves because he had to attend to his hysterical child.

Two friends. Ladies in their thirties. Well travelled. They were followed by two youths from the metro station and held up by knife point. Frozen with fear they didn't react quickly enough so one of the thieves grabbed one of the ladies by the neck and banged her head off a wall. She had to have stitches.

I've seen pickpockets in other cities, including my own, but it really is at another level in Barcelona. As I've said before, I've been there many times, and would return, but I dislike having to feel on my guard all the time, as I do in Barcelona. The city authorities aren't really interested in doing anything about it - and the city is so beautiful and vibrant that the tourists keep returning no matter what.

Not to flog a dead horse but when I was in Spain, I watched a news show about Madrid and Barcelona and it said that Barcelona does have a higher rate of crime/thefts muggings. I do think there is a problem there that the authorities have not dealt with.

That said, it shouldn't dissuade anyone from Spain. Before my trip I heard all the horror stories and felt I would be robbed the minute I got on the Metro. In fact I had a wonderful time and never felt unsafe.

knowing the extent of the problem greatly lessens the chances of being victimized - that is why those who are total deniers of any unusual problem in this thread are doing a disservice to potential travelers and are aiding and abetting the street criminals - naive tourists naive to the extent of the problem making Barcelona perhaps the most street crime ridden city in Europe are easy targets.

and yes why local officials can't lessen this is perplexing as this ain't the third world - shame on local officials.

So, to summarize:

1. Bear in mind that no matter how well you prepare, you can only practice theft avoidance part-time - since you are visiting, presumably, to sightsee, not thief-see. The thief, on the other hand, is likely in the business full-time. He/she is watching you - or someone like you - virtually full-time, because to steal is their business, not their vacation pastime. So, passive protection (moneybelts, or small shoulder bags held tightly under the arm) are more useful than 'being alert.'

2. No conclusions can be drawn from anecdotal experience. Having had no problems in Barcelona or anywhere does not mean a place is free of problems. Being robbed in Barcelona or anywhere does not mean a place is full of robbers. Being prepared, therefore, is like insurance: the event may never happen to you, but that is scant reason not to prepare.

3. The OP posted twice and is the target of skepticism by some for posting infrequently. PalenQ posts many times and is the target of skepticism by some for posting too frequently. My suggestion: avoid speculation on the basis of post frequency, since post frequency reveals nothing.

Thats why Ive been searching for a tour that will teach me to steal like a local. When will I ever have an opportunity to learn survival techniques like this again with law enforcement so reluctant to enforce laws?
Years ago a monkey stole my rented cellphone through a partially opened window in my jeep near Lake Tanganyika. Back then phones, even stolen ones, were worth a lot of money. I betcha that monkey is still livin' it up somewhere smoking Marlboros after selling that phone. Darn monkey! But it was somewhat useless trying to learn that behaviour, I cant slip through cracks in windows let alone flee up an Acacia tree to safety. So I think Barcelona is my best last chance

Frank

You can start your own tour to teach others how steal like a local. And if you don't know how, all the better, you are teaching them from day one anyone can steal from them.

My suggestion: avoid speculation on the basis of post frequency, since post frequency reveals nothing>

but do read and give credence to the several folks above who have been victimized in Barcelona - or are they all making i up as skeptics may think.

Every time we left our hotel, we were warned to secure our belongings so not to be pick pocketed. Restaurants also warned us and these constant warnings raised our "theft alert level." We had one attempt but slammed a map on the thief's arm and hand which was already in a pocket. So, be aware and vigilant but don't let it ruin your trip. In spite of the warnings and attempted theft, we liked Barcelona, but, on the other hand, have no desire to return.

Thanks elizacat! I'm really crossing my fingers that nothing goes wrong and that I'll be able to fully enjoy Rome and Florence, because they're too beautiful to be ruined by pickpocketers.

I agree with sue...it's easy to say "be vigilant" and yes, you should, but some of the thieves operate really well and it's difficult to even realize something is gone until it's far too late. I pack money, cards, passport, etc in a money belt under my dress and the phone I will be taking with me is one that I probably won't get more than $100 for as it has some defects. I have a crossbody bag that is difficult to open (though I don't underestimate the thieves) and even if they do manage, they won't get more than a defected iPhone and some change. Ofc that doesn't stop the fact that they could easily cut the straps and run off with it. So it's just a matter of luck, no one is a "willing victim".

There are some things that are hard to secure, like a DSLR camera. When you go to these places after working and saving up for what can be a potentially once in a lifetime chance to see a particular city, you want to enjoy it and also have some good quality photos. I'm not sure how to secure this and I'm still debating leaving it at home so I don't get stress from losing it, but also regretting not taking it.

This past July after finishing the Camino de Santiago in Finisterre, I mailed my bag, boots, and clothes from the Vimianzo post office. I sealed the box myself and processed at the Vimianzo Post office. Three weeks later I opened the box at my house in the US and HALF of my clothes were gone, they actually picked well the best pieces :). In place of the missing clothing, I found a used ceramic large cup which weigh would compensate for the weight that was taken out and not tip inspectors checking paid freight weight fee versus actual weight. I contacted the Post Office at Vimianzo and they already have an open investigation for similar complaints pointing to the mail stop in.....Barcelona. Surprise, Surprise.....

On TA one of the so called Destination Experts states that the city is getting "I will say that Barcelona has gotten an undeserved fame for pickpockets that sometimes borders paranoia." You can read the rest of his propaganda here:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#60248421

Years ago, we met a couple from Montreal on a bus taking us to get our rental car. They asked us about our trip itinerary. When I mentioned Barcelona, they looked at each other and kind of said "Hmmmmm." I asked why the hmmmm? They immediately told us the same story of a guy on a motorcycle telling them their tire was flat only to pull over and have all of their stuff taken by guys following in a car.

We actually changed our itinerary based on this info. We made a right turn in SW France and went to Dordogne instead of Barcelona. It turned out to be a wonderful decision!

Just because someone's dirty clothing is missing or someone said : " hmmmmm" , one of the most beautiful cities in Europe is to be avoided?
Paranoid AND stupid.

Sorry about your bad luck.

Just wanted to say that our recent rental in France (Citroen) would not keep the doors locked if the fob was within a short distance from the car, say 75 feet. Even though we heard the locks go down, the door would unlock for any door on demand until the fob was some distance away.

I'm wondering if you had refused the CDW from the insurance coverage from your credit card might have covered the flat?

danon..."Stupid is as stupid does" haha

I guess the folks who drove into one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and got robbed are the smart ones?

It wasn't the "hmmmmmm," it was the story that followed along with an initial uncertainty of wanting to drive into a large metropolitan city.

Dordogne turned out to be a wonderful alternative, one that I do not regret to this day!