Barcelona crime rate

[ryder]

I've been hearing some sketchy things about the Barcelona crime rate and how it's not the safest place right now. Is there anything to it? I'm not worried about myself, but I have some female family members going over there for a little bit in about a month, and I'm kind of worried about them. Any tips on how to avoid becoming a victim? Or is it even true? Thanks.

[everyann]

As a tourist they'll probably have to deal with petty theft, if anything. Not too big of a deal. Tell your family members not to carry too much cash in their wallets/purses. Don't be flashy with any valuable items. I've heard of basically burying the wallet or cash in places that make it difficult for them not to notice it's being stolen. Maybe a plastic or something loud like it.

Theives seem to have a sixth sense about tourists and can spot them anywhere. An advice: don't behave as the typical one. Doing this can make the trip that much more smoother.

Being female, you'll also want to encourage them to ride a taxi at night. Walking in the dark or unlit areas are definitely higher risk for them.

[nieves22]

In these days, Barcelona isn't safe, but it's the same as any big city...
Don't have a backpack on the back, always have it in front.

-Monjuic
-Plaza Reial
-Gothic area
-Port

These are area you must be careful...
Don't walk alone early morning nor midnight.
I hope they can have a good trip.

[GFluz]

Yeah I heard the same rap about Rome. I lived there for 6 months and yeah the crime rate is pretty high. But im sure like said before, its a city. You just have to be smart about what you have on you and always keep an eye on your valubles

[manuelrodriguez]

as an additions to suggestions posted above, when traveling to another place, the first thing to do is to look for some information where to ask help in case of trouble. like contact numbers of the police, foreign affairs, embassies and etc. they will surely help in pointing out where are theese dangerous places to avoid these crimes and criminal.

[joe]

Nice suggestions, guys (and gals). It's a good rule of thumb to be extra cautious when you're a tourist in any foreign city. Sometimes it seems you're a walking bulls-eye. Take the extra precautions beforehand so you don't need to spend the entire trip wigging out or looking over your shoulder.

[rimu1]

I spent a week in Barcelona last November and didn't have a problem but did meet several who had bags snatched or pockets picked.
I was advised not to wear jewellery, good idea anywhere in European large cities, and keep all cash and credit cards secure and use a "day purse/wallet" for incidentals. Don't be seen fishing around for cash.

Backpack on the front in the subway is a good idea too. I have not ever been in som many crowded streets as in barcelona shopping in late Novemebr. it was a real crush and concern because of pick pockets but maybe I was lucky but nothing bad happened, only good. it's a great city.

[Conti]

I think you'll be fine there. Just watch out like you would if you were going to any other big city.

[ballinger]

I have just returned from Barcelona and will never go back. There is crime in all cities, but it is absolutely rife here. I heard all the warnings and so took all necessary measures to protect myself. Unfortunately that was not enough. I was mugged at 3.30pm outside the Arts Hotel near the port just as I came out of the hotel with my boyfriend. Two young lads on a moped mounted the pavement ran straight into me and stole my handbag right out of my hands.

It took the police an hour to get to me and they did not seem concerned. When I arrived at the police station I was shocked to see the amount of tourists in the police station reporting bags and purses being stolen. One couple who had hired a car had their tyre deliberately punctured as a set up. A couple pretended to try and help and stole their bags out of the car (passports, cash, cards, camera etc).

The attitude of the police is appalling. It has become just a paper excercise so that people can go back home and claim on their insurance. They do not bother to speak to you they just give you a form to fill out, which they copy and give back to you.

They actually told me that they would not do anything about it. The interpreter said that is all he deals with all day is bag snatching and pickpocketing of tourists.

Apparently the attitude of the law is a contributing factor as even if they get caught the crime is not treated as significant and the perpetrator is let go to commit the crime again.

That probably explains why these crimes are carried out in broad daylight in such numbers.

The people at the hotel were not sympathtic or helpful at all. All I had was some cash that was in my pocket. They took all my cards and my boyfriends as his wallet was in my bag as well.

I never saw any police cars or police on foot the whole time I was there. Considering the amount of crime I would have thought that police presence would have been prominant.

I have never felt so unsafe and would have left sooner if I could have changed my flight, but as I had no cards to change my flight I had to stick it out.

[SwampDog]

Well, I have to agree with most of the comments. I would not go back to Spain. We traveled to Madrid, San Sebastian and Barcelona. San Sebastian was trouble free but Madrid and Barcelona, never again. Here are some details:

Well, guys made it through Spain. And I must say that in between all the good moments there were some problems moments.
I'll try not to be too negative but Spain is not the same place I remember on my first trip to the Costa del Sol.

Madrid: Care should always be taken in protecting you belongings as thief is very prevalent. An attempted pick pocketing was made upon me as three kids attempted to steal my camera. Failed. We heard other case where this was successful like one particular person having it ripped off his shoulder. If you must go to Spain be prepared to practice caution and conceal what you want to keep. Seems as though Spain has been infiltrated with people from all over Europe and not exactly the best bred as you will read in our last leg of the trip.

Barcelona: Wasn't in the city 10 minutes and didn't feel good about our choice. Within and hour and a half, we were involved in a scam that resulted in my losing just about everything except my cloths, $1,000 US, passport, cell phone, credit card, debit card, airline schedule, and most important camera with close to 300 pictures from Madrid and San Sebastian. It was devastating. I lost about $1,700 dollars in less than 3 minutes. Called the police and about all they could do was file a report and help us get thing cancelled and off we went. They were very helpful and considerate. It seems that this is a very common occurrence. We meet a man from Iran and he had just gotten his luggage stolen. And later as I had to get a new passport, we meet many people that had lost valuables, one woman who fought back was stabbed. A couple we meet in the Embassy who now live and work in Switzerland and travel every chance they get said that they have had no problems elsewhere until they got to Spain. We were constantly watching our property.
Went to Madrid to the US Embassy where I had to get a passport to leave the country. An Asian woman was robbed of her baggage on the train. And the Embassy was not the experience we thought it would be. A mess to say the least.

All in all as much as we did enjoy the sites, the wondering when and if we would be attacked was always there. Everyone has a different experience and opinion but I could not recommend Spain as my future vacation spot. Too much has changed and not all for the best. So, take it for what it is. I will never return to Spain in the Ass even with as much great things there are there to see and experience. I am heading to the mountains next trip.