How bad is crime in Barcelona???

[Ebruner]

I will be in Barcelona in a few weeks, and I have been told by several people and a guide book that crime is high and not to carry much cash, wear a Rolex, or much jewelry on the wife.

How true is this???

We are going to Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Albania. All the warning I have gotten have been specifically about Spain.

Some input from some locals would be great.

-Eddie

[CKLinLA]

For whats its worth, my brother told me that when
he was visiting Spain late last year, he was constantly
warned to be careful of pick-pockets. The Spanish
economy is probably in slightly worse shape since.

[jdc]

went two years ago with wife and family for a week, never felt threatened or worried, as in any city just use common sense

[Black Bay Dan]

Been on a couple of Stag Weekends in Barcelona and various business trips and never had any bother even in some of the more seedier parts of the city. And yes I was wearing my Air-King which was very visible as just had t-shirt and jeans on!

Dan

[landeriv]

As safe or safer than any major US city. There is always the risk of pickpockets in the touristy areas but I wouldn't worry about being mugged or anything like that. As always, use common sense.

[Rockrolex]

Don't leave your wallet or money in a back pocket. In fact, I would carry a bag with zippered inside pockets and keep your valuables in that. The pickpockets on the Metro are quite good.

[colpol]

We were in Spain for 10 days at easter this year\ July last year & no issues (costa brava). I wore my Rolex SD every day & never thought anything of it. We went to Barcelona for 2 days & it was fine

Before above - last time in Barcelona was maybe 6/ 7 years ago - we went for 4 days. I wore my Omega SMP & didn't feel threatened at any point

Having said that one of my mates was in Madrid maybe 3/ 4 years ago & her handbag got stolen at an outside cafe. Money, credit cards, passport, the lot all gone.

I guess as everyone says - its about being aware of your surroundings\ watching were your going etc. One thing I never do on holiday is drink anymore than a few beers at any time. No point in letting your guard down especially in a foreign country & in unfamilar surroundings

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by CKLinLA

For whats its worth, my brother told me that when
he was visiting Spain late last year, he was constantly
warned to be careful of pick-pockets.

Same thing in Rome...my dad had them try him twice in a week there.

[psv]

First of all, make sure your valuables are covered under your travel insurance, otherwise add a special insurance for them.

Secondly, I hate to generalize but I would worry more about Albania, but then again, you are hitting the very countries in Europe that are entry/through points from migrations from both East and South. That equates to a lot of low level crime like pick-pocketing. My wife lost her wallet in Madrid once, she was "spotted" in a convenience store while buying a bottle of water - they see the quality of your wallet/cards/cash and know where you put it in the bag - and minutes later it will be gone. These gangs work in larger teams. In reality is more about the time and place you are at. And bad luck.

Furthermore, don't look/behave like an American tourist. Don't walk around in shorts and white sneakers. Don't wear a gold Rolex. Don't wear a baseball cap at all times and point at this things while loudly say "That's nice!". Blending in is key.

Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about Barcelona at all, I visit Spain frequently and I've never been in a threatening situation. Spanish people are very fashionable and classy so I would argue that your Rolex would fit very well in at most places/occasions. Same goes for Italy. You just have to think about your behavior and location, but the same goes for the US or anywhere else in the world.

I'd say bring two watches, your Rolex for when you guys are going out dining, visiting tourist attractions etc and something like a Casio G-Shock in case you guys know you are going to go through seedier locations. Or just slip that Rolex off the wrist into the pocket (heck, I've had to do that both in New York and DC, depending on time of day and location).

Most of all, have a wonderful vacation! :-)

[landeriv]

Originally Posted by psv

First of all, make sure your valuables are covered under your travel insurance, otherwise add a special insurance for them.

Secondly, I hate to generalize but I would worry more about Albania, but then again, you are hitting the very countries in Europe that are entry/through points from migrations from both East and South. That equates to a lot of low level crime like pick-pocketing. My wife lost her wallet in Madrid once, she was "spotted" in a convenience store while buying a bottle of water - they see the quality of your wallet/cards/cash and know where you put it in the bag - and minutes later it will be gone. These gangs work in larger teams. In reality is more about the time and place you are at. And bad luck.

Furthermore, don't look/behave like an American tourist. Don't walk around in shorts and white sneakers. Don't wear a gold Rolex. Don't wear a baseball cap at all times and point at this things while loudly say "That's nice!". Blending in is key.

Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about Barcelona at all, I visit Spain frequently and I've never been in a threatening situation. Spanish people are very fashionable and classy so I would argue that your Rolex would fit very well in at most places/occasions. Same goes for Italy. You just have to think about your behavior and location, but the same goes for the US or anywhere else in the world.

I'd say bring two watches, your Rolex for when you guys are going out dining, visiting tourist attractions etc and something like a Casio G-Shock in case you guys know you are going to go through seedier locations. Or just slip that Rolex off the wrist into the pocket (heck, I've had to do that both in New York and DC, depending on time of day and location).

Most of all, have a wonderful vacation! :-)

You hit the nail on the head there Patrick

[Ebruner]

I find it interesting haw far the opinions swing on this issue. No matter where you are asking about. We travel quite a bit, so we know the general drill.

I am still hoping one the locals will post up their thoughts.

Thanks a bunch for all the input.

-Eddie

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Ebruner

I will be in Barcelona in a few weeks, and I have been told by several people and a guide book that crime is high and not to carry much cash, wear a Rolex, or much jewelry on the wife.

How true is this???

We are going to Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Albania. All the warning I have gotten have been specifically about Spain.

Some input from some locals would be great.

-Eddie

Well, you've got characters like Tristan and Nicko there...........enough said!!

[figbo]

Stay away from Barcelona,Tristan is there!

[Bdel]

i just visited italy, greece, turkey and monte carlo. I was very paranoid about wearing my rolex due to a large number of warning posts on TRF. I wore my Corum instead. My son however wore his Sea Dweller, my daughter a chanel J12 and none of the family had any problems what so ever. We werent walking out of bars at 2:00am drunk either, but it seemed very safe to me.

[BASSETHOUNDS]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, you've got characters like Tristan and Nicko there...........enough said!!

Nicko ? He is in Africa compared to where I am .

Crime in Barcelona ? It is a the second city in Spain with about 4 million people .. not more dangerous then any other mayor city in the world . Ask Dalip .. he was walking around with some of his Rolex's in Barcelona and even bought another one there.. not a worry in the world .
Just common sense .. like everywhere

[BASSETHOUNDS]

Originally Posted by figbo

Stay away from Barcelona,Tristan is there!

Just don't buy any Submariners over the net from there

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by BASSETHOUNDS

Just don't buy any Submariners over the net from there

[fquiroga]

bring your documents and money in a bag around the neck and the front of your body, it will be perfectly



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have a good holidays in spain !!!

[figbo]

Originally Posted by fquiroga

bring your documents and money in a bag around the neck and the front of your body, it will be perfectly



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

have a good holidays in spain !!!

Geez Fernando,haven't seen you for ages!!

[figbo]

Originally Posted by BASSETHOUNDS

Nicko ? He is in Africa compared to where I am .

Crime in Barcelona ? It is a the second city in Spain with about 4 million people .. not more dangerous then any other mayor city in the world . Ask Dalip .. he was walking around with some of his Rolex's in Barcelona and even bought another one there.. not a worry in the world .
Just common sense .. like everywhere

True! I've been to Barcelona twice,in the mid 80's,and I walked intoxicated at 0200 all over the city,then somebody stole my wallet,contacted the police,they told me to go to the hotel,they will contact me.They never did!
Found my wallet under the toilet!By God,a true story!!!

[fquiroga]

Originally Posted by figbo

Geez Fernando,haven't seen you for ages!!

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[Ed Rooney]

If I get a feeling that I might be worried about the security of my watch when I travel, I just leave it at home. Wear a G-shock and the baddies will think you are a cop or a navy seal or something.