Spain - safety and pickpocketing - a query
Feb 25th, 2010, 06:56 AM
#22
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Have nothing of value in a location convenient to thieves.
Pickpockets usually go for the item most likely to have the stuff they want -- the wallet -- and to grab it in an instant. So I go about crowded places with a comfortable cross-body bag that has several small zipper compartments deep inside. Thieves are probably not going to reach into a bag and try all the zippers to find where I have a few 20 Euro notes and a single credit card stashed. But in the unlikely event that one does, I will continue to enjoy my holiday because I have lost very little and my spares are safe in the hotel.
Pickpockets usually go for the item most likely to have the stuff they want -- the wallet -- and to grab it in an instant. So I go about crowded places with a comfortable cross-body bag that has several small zipper compartments deep inside. Thieves are probably not going to reach into a bag and try all the zippers to find where I have a few 20 Euro notes and a single credit card stashed. But in the unlikely event that one does, I will continue to enjoy my holiday because I have lost very little and my spares are safe in the hotel.
Feb 25th, 2010, 06:59 AM
#23
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Fine, Aduchamp. thanks for sharing. But your your one-off experiences aren't a contradtion of what other people post based on a wider look at the issues. Seniors of course aren't the ONLY people targeted for theft in Spain. And if I were a photographer, of course I'd want to take the risk of hauling expensive equipment around Madrid and Barcelona, and I too wouldn't be careless with it, even at home.
But that's all beside the point! The OP is trying to decide on a VACATION. He isn't imagining things that the increased risk of theft in Spain is something to consider. I'm glad he's considering it. I think if he and his wife elect to go to Madrid and Barcelona, they will be better prepared for the realities having asked. Why try to paint too rosy a picture?
But that's all beside the point! The OP is trying to decide on a VACATION. He isn't imagining things that the increased risk of theft in Spain is something to consider. I'm glad he's considering it. I think if he and his wife elect to go to Madrid and Barcelona, they will be better prepared for the realities having asked. Why try to paint too rosy a picture?
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:43 AM
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I have had this conversation with many friends. First of all, the pickpocketing problem in Madrid and Barcelona is of a magnitude way beyond most other major cities. Even those of us who know what the risks are and think we're pretty savvy are often targets.
I think there are two ways to deal with the problem -- one, be vigilant at every second and don't let your guard down (impossible for most of us who don't live in one of these places -- for madrilenos it comes naturally). The other is to just make sure, as many have suggested,that you carry nothing valuable in a place where pickpockets can get it. That means put it in a pouch under your clothes, with maybe some money in a pocket for small purchases and for the pickpockets if they strike. Yes, it's a pain to have everything in a pouch, but it means that you can essentially stop worrying about the pickpockets. I think that being paranoid and always worried about losing stuff can cast a real pall on your vacation.
And ps., my 25 year old son was pickpocketed in Madrid last year so it happens to people of all ages. Though I agree, older, obviously foreign people are special targets.
Just my opinion. Good luck.
I think there are two ways to deal with the problem -- one, be vigilant at every second and don't let your guard down (impossible for most of us who don't live in one of these places -- for madrilenos it comes naturally). The other is to just make sure, as many have suggested,that you carry nothing valuable in a place where pickpockets can get it. That means put it in a pouch under your clothes, with maybe some money in a pocket for small purchases and for the pickpockets if they strike. Yes, it's a pain to have everything in a pouch, but it means that you can essentially stop worrying about the pickpockets. I think that being paranoid and always worried about losing stuff can cast a real pall on your vacation.
And ps., my 25 year old son was pickpocketed in Madrid last year so it happens to people of all ages. Though I agree, older, obviously foreign people are special targets.
Just my opinion. Good luck.
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:46 AM
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We were unsuccessfully pickpocketed in Barcelona in April 08. We were on an escalator coming off of the metro and it was very crowded. My husband had a backpack on and by the time we reached the street level, every zipper had been opened. Sadly for the pickpocket, all we had in there was an umbrella, guidebook, map, and a bottle of water. My camera bag was securely wrapped around my wrist and our money was secure in my husband's inner jacket pocket.
Like others have said, be aware of your surroundings and don't carry items with you that you don't want to have lost. Don't let it stop you from experiencing the beauty Spain has to offer. It isn't stopping us - we're heading back there in April to Andalucia.
Like others have said, be aware of your surroundings and don't carry items with you that you don't want to have lost. Don't let it stop you from experiencing the beauty Spain has to offer. It isn't stopping us - we're heading back there in April to Andalucia.
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:54 AM
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Put yourself in the mindset of a pickpocket. You will target people who look as if they have something worth stealing and who seem to be off-guard. That describes a lot of tourists.
I think that I look as if I don't have much worth taking (largely true) and I think I seem reasonably alert and aware of my surroundings. So far, no pickpocket has targeted me.
I think that I look as if I don't have much worth taking (largely true) and I think I seem reasonably alert and aware of my surroundings. So far, no pickpocket has targeted me.
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:56 AM
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Like others have pointed out, you just need to be aware.
Pickpockets and thieves are looking for opportunities, they want something easy. You might feel better keeping your cc, passports and most of your money in a moneybelt.
I think it’s best to not carry a lot of stuff around that you have to watch. I like to wear a small purse with a strap that goes across my body that contains my essentials; a little money for the day and my camera.
You can read about different scams and pickpocket techniques. I think Rick Steves has a something listed on his website. It could either help you or make you more paranoid. Look like you know what your doing. Learn to say, “no thank you” and “go away” in Spanish.
It’s funny that people take all kinds of precautions going to Europe but when they are here at home, I see lots of women who leave their whole purse in a shopping cart unattended.
I've never felt unsafe in Spain.
Pickpockets and thieves are looking for opportunities, they want something easy. You might feel better keeping your cc, passports and most of your money in a moneybelt.
I think it’s best to not carry a lot of stuff around that you have to watch. I like to wear a small purse with a strap that goes across my body that contains my essentials; a little money for the day and my camera.
You can read about different scams and pickpocket techniques. I think Rick Steves has a something listed on his website. It could either help you or make you more paranoid. Look like you know what your doing. Learn to say, “no thank you” and “go away” in Spanish.
It’s funny that people take all kinds of precautions going to Europe but when they are here at home, I see lots of women who leave their whole purse in a shopping cart unattended.
I've never felt unsafe in Spain.
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:59 AM
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Fine, Aduchamp. thanks for sharing. But your your one-off experiences aren't a contradtion of what other people post based on a wider look at the issues
Over time, I have spent a year in Spain and none of that has been as a student or on business.
Over time, I have spent a year in Spain and none of that has been as a student or on business.
Feb 25th, 2010, 10:12 AM
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If you're really worried than skip Barcelona and go to Andalucia. Or don't walk in the neighborhood at the bottom of Las Ramblas after dark. Keep in mind that anywhere in Spanish cities things can almost disappear in no time so you can't put a purse down in a cafe and turn your head for a minute. There are some real stealthy experts there. I wouldn't worry about physical harm at all.
Feb 25th, 2010, 10:39 AM
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Glad to hear there were alot of police on Las Ramblas - now maybe they will put them in the Metro stations becasue alot of the problems are there. We got pickpocketed in a big metro station - two days later we went back thru that station. We sat down and in 10 minutes! we saw a group going about their "business" - we actually chased them shouting "ladrones" (thieves). Now if we could identify them so quickly, it would seem the police could shut them down if they really wanted. It really makes you wonder when the problem is so notorious why the authorities don't get a handle on it. Maybe they need to do announcements like in the Paris metro, I'm sure their presence is not hard to spot.
By the way - I am returning to Barcleona this May, I still love the city. But the advice about little cash, maybe one credit card should be heeded. It seems that those tricky people are quite good at their "jobs".
By the way - I am returning to Barcleona this May, I still love the city. But the advice about little cash, maybe one credit card should be heeded. It seems that those tricky people are quite good at their "jobs".
Feb 25th, 2010, 05:45 PM
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Maybe we've been lucky, but other than witnessing an attempt on the Metro we've not been bothered. That includes last fall during La Merce, walking around with a pro camera outfit.
But we're not foolish, and keep valuables in places that are hard to reach and always watch our stuff. We also aren't night owls, and that may require more vigilance at just the time many people are not at their sharpest.
It's funny, though, I now keep my wallet in a front pocket even around home, which probably always was a good idea.
Best advice is to have a copy of all your documents and cards so that you can quickly respond if they are stolen.
But we're not foolish, and keep valuables in places that are hard to reach and always watch our stuff. We also aren't night owls, and that may require more vigilance at just the time many people are not at their sharpest.
It's funny, though, I now keep my wallet in a front pocket even around home, which probably always was a good idea.
Best advice is to have a copy of all your documents and cards so that you can quickly respond if they are stolen.
Feb 25th, 2010, 05:56 PM
#33
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My father and I were BOTH hit by pickpockets on the subway during our recent trip to Madrid in November of last year. The very next day, my father was targeted again for a very common scam; someone pulled on his leg on a crowded street and dropped a load of coins on the ground, attempting to make him bend down in the belief those coins were his, thus making it easy to pick his inside jacket pocket. Luckily, my father was aware of this scam and yelled out at the top of his lungs, "Hey, what are you doing! Get away from me." It worked, big time. The evil-doers scurried away quickly.
We were upset by the pickpocketing, but the hotel gave us the number to file a report and encouraged us to do so. THe number conneced us to an English speaking clerk, and all we had to do was pick up the report at the nearest police station, which turned out to be only a 10 minute walk from our hotel. We waited about 40 minutes to be seen and then received the reports. Not only did my father later receive a fair amount of money to replace his camera, filing the report and then going through the rigomoral to get the signed report was actually rather cathartic. We felt as if we were actually DOING something in response to the crime, not just going off sulking. After we received our report, we felt so much better and continued with our trip, although we were extremely careful with our money and cameras. I actually locked up my purse using my luggage lock.
But, despite this, we loved our trip to Madrid and environs and Dad and I are off to Pamplona this July with the knowledge that that's another place where the pickpockets thrive. They target tourists, young and old, so we'll just be more vigilant and careful about what we carry.
We were upset by the pickpocketing, but the hotel gave us the number to file a report and encouraged us to do so. THe number conneced us to an English speaking clerk, and all we had to do was pick up the report at the nearest police station, which turned out to be only a 10 minute walk from our hotel. We waited about 40 minutes to be seen and then received the reports. Not only did my father later receive a fair amount of money to replace his camera, filing the report and then going through the rigomoral to get the signed report was actually rather cathartic. We felt as if we were actually DOING something in response to the crime, not just going off sulking. After we received our report, we felt so much better and continued with our trip, although we were extremely careful with our money and cameras. I actually locked up my purse using my luggage lock.
But, despite this, we loved our trip to Madrid and environs and Dad and I are off to Pamplona this July with the knowledge that that's another place where the pickpockets thrive. They target tourists, young and old, so we'll just be more vigilant and careful about what we carry.
Feb 25th, 2010, 07:50 PM
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Just another 2 cents to make you go to Barcelona -
Crime can happen anywhere in the world - yet Barcelona has been known for years as the Pickpocket Capitol of the World. As a mater of fact - TripAdvisor did an article in November that rated Barcelona as number 1 of the worlds top places to be pickpocketed. To read that article - go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCent..._Releases.html
Now take this report with a grain of salt - thieves like anyplace in the world where they can find crowds of people - especially tourists - and Barcelona is one the top of the list probably because of the sheer amount of people that visit the city - its a great place to see. I have been their myself - and as a mater of fact, was almost pickpocketed by gypsy women trying to pull the old scam of trying to sell paper mache flowers. These gypsy women really get close to you and push these paper flowers in your face trying to sell them to you. This is all done as a distraction so the other gypsy women try to get in your pockets to steal your wallet or pick your purse. In my case I was wearing a security waist pack to hold my digital camera and wallet - the women were trying to pull the zipper to open it but could not understand that the zipper was locked with a security clip to keep it secured from pickpockets. Heck I had no idea the one gypsy was trying to do this because I was trying to block the other pickpocket from getting close to my wife's purse.
Heck it took me about 5 seconds to figure out what was happening because the women get right in your face and start pushing on you. The security fanny pack really helped me out and I would recommend one or a security purse with the same type of zipper locks if you are going to carry items of value.
Would I go back to Barcelona again - In a heartbeat! We really loved the place.
My recommendations: Like one of the previous writers said - LEARN HOW PICKPOCKETS OPERATE - Every traveler should take a little time to learn the tricks of their trade. We should even know these scams to protect ourselves here at home as well - Heck, I have heard many of same travel scams occuring in San Francisco and New York as well.
Solution: Read up on pickpocket scams - Here is website with many tricks of the trade used by pickpockets. Within this website, go to the pickpocket section where you see links such as:
* Avoiding Pickpockets
* Child Pickpockets in Venice
* Guide to Security Belt and Pouches
* How Pickpockets Work
* How Purse Thieves Work
* Secrets of London Pickpocket
* South American Adean Thievery
* The Basics of Pickpocketing
* Theft at Airport Screening
* Travel Scams
* Travelers can be Easy Pickings for Savvy Criminals
* Wallet Theft - What to do if your Wallet is Stolen
* Watch out for Pickpockets on Italian Trains
* Which Purses Pickpockets Love To Pick
Many of those links will give you a great starting point to read up on how to avoid pickpockets by learning their scams. In one of the links, you will see several videos of real pickpockets in action so you really get a "in-your-face" real-world look at how pickpockets work.
Here is the link (go to pickpocket section):
http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com...tips/index.php
Again - just be a smart traveler who spends a little time learning the ropes so you have a great trip - Most travelers come back from vacation with nothing but happy memories - especially the ones that did a little home work on more than just finding a great hotel!
Have a great trip and GO TO BARCELONA - ITS A GREAT PLACE TO SEE!
Crime can happen anywhere in the world - yet Barcelona has been known for years as the Pickpocket Capitol of the World. As a mater of fact - TripAdvisor did an article in November that rated Barcelona as number 1 of the worlds top places to be pickpocketed. To read that article - go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCent..._Releases.html
Now take this report with a grain of salt - thieves like anyplace in the world where they can find crowds of people - especially tourists - and Barcelona is one the top of the list probably because of the sheer amount of people that visit the city - its a great place to see. I have been their myself - and as a mater of fact, was almost pickpocketed by gypsy women trying to pull the old scam of trying to sell paper mache flowers. These gypsy women really get close to you and push these paper flowers in your face trying to sell them to you. This is all done as a distraction so the other gypsy women try to get in your pockets to steal your wallet or pick your purse. In my case I was wearing a security waist pack to hold my digital camera and wallet - the women were trying to pull the zipper to open it but could not understand that the zipper was locked with a security clip to keep it secured from pickpockets. Heck I had no idea the one gypsy was trying to do this because I was trying to block the other pickpocket from getting close to my wife's purse.
Heck it took me about 5 seconds to figure out what was happening because the women get right in your face and start pushing on you. The security fanny pack really helped me out and I would recommend one or a security purse with the same type of zipper locks if you are going to carry items of value.
Would I go back to Barcelona again - In a heartbeat! We really loved the place.
My recommendations: Like one of the previous writers said - LEARN HOW PICKPOCKETS OPERATE - Every traveler should take a little time to learn the tricks of their trade. We should even know these scams to protect ourselves here at home as well - Heck, I have heard many of same travel scams occuring in San Francisco and New York as well.
Solution: Read up on pickpocket scams - Here is website with many tricks of the trade used by pickpockets. Within this website, go to the pickpocket section where you see links such as:
* Avoiding Pickpockets
* Child Pickpockets in Venice
* Guide to Security Belt and Pouches
* How Pickpockets Work
* How Purse Thieves Work
* Secrets of London Pickpocket
* South American Adean Thievery
* The Basics of Pickpocketing
* Theft at Airport Screening
* Travel Scams
* Travelers can be Easy Pickings for Savvy Criminals
* Wallet Theft - What to do if your Wallet is Stolen
* Watch out for Pickpockets on Italian Trains
* Which Purses Pickpockets Love To Pick
Many of those links will give you a great starting point to read up on how to avoid pickpockets by learning their scams. In one of the links, you will see several videos of real pickpockets in action so you really get a "in-your-face" real-world look at how pickpockets work.
Here is the link (go to pickpocket section):
http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com...tips/index.php
Again - just be a smart traveler who spends a little time learning the ropes so you have a great trip - Most travelers come back from vacation with nothing but happy memories - especially the ones that did a little home work on more than just finding a great hotel!
Have a great trip and GO TO BARCELONA - ITS A GREAT PLACE TO SEE!
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