Yes, Barcelona is great. It’s cool. It’s smart. As anyone living here knows, petty theft is one the biggest Booo Hisses of all time in Barcelona. On the beach, you fall asleep, you’ll be sin iPod quicker than a nun tries to blame a sewage factory for the errant smell.
Here’s a summary of the usual tricks. There are a lot more. I’ve seen about 6 of these happening. 2 of which happened to my, unsuccessfully I might add.
The best thing is to keep on moving, don’t stop or say hello, help anybody or give directions. If you’re new to town in certain areas, keep your mouth shut and dress down. It’s sad, but a lot of English lasses go out, bearing breasts, high heeled shoes, the latest Prada bag [or copy] and wonder why they were singled out. I’d stay clear of the Raval, most places of Gracia and head out into the Eixample or Pobel Nou. Okay less people, but if you’re reasonably smart, a lot less chance of getting robbed.
The latest ploy is by some gits who put leaflets on your table, saying they are deaf. If you know any SL, give it a try. These fuckers can’t even sign. So learn “F*** off cretin”, in sign. They won’t know.
They leave the note and then come back. Note where they PUT the item and from WHICH direction they return [normally on a blind side]. Next, they will place a leaflet next to a bag, which they will either a/ run with b/ try to take. Phones etc on the table are also great items for these gits.
The sad thing is, petty theft isn’t a crime here in Cataluna. What I hear you say? Well, if it’s under 100 euros, it’s not a sanctionable offence. Meaning if you need to take a leak in the morning as bars won’t allow you to use their toilets, or when was the last time you saw a public toilet, then you’ll be facing a 1000 EURO fine. Meanwhile, someone invading your private life, finances and general sanity and don’t forget you need to pay the bank AS WELL for the new cards can take things at will and if under a certain amount, is free from justice.
Having worked around Gracia and Plza Cataluna I see these cons going on daily. Yes, daily. So…. take my advice, try and drink a lot less, don’t take your credit card out [to the cash machine and back home]. Take the money you need out, any extra for taxi etc, including passport photocopy, P111, and money somewhere else on your person [like in the shoe]. If you’re here on holidays, pick up a bottom range Nokia some free from CEX or somewhere. Hell, you gonna use roaming with the charges anyway?
Most of my Spanish friends do the same. They like to go out without a handbag or wallet with cards.
Kinda sucks really.
Live Music, Bands, Events in Barcelona, Spain 