PICKPOCKETING

They work quickly 

One second they are there and the next they're gone. So be aware of the people around you and pay attention to what they are doing. 

They look for busy places where you are distracted

• Touristy Areas. The most common places for pickpocketing incidences in Barcelona are Las Ramblas or La Boqueria where sometimes pickpockets pose as prostitutes or street performers. Be especially careful when watching street performances. While you are distracted by the show, pickpockets may try to rob you. 

• Cafes and restaurants. These are typical places for bags to get stolen if they are set on the ground or hung on the chair. Keep your bag on your lap or with the strap wrapped around your leg, and never leave your phone out on the table.

• Nightclubs and bars. Anyplace where people are crowded together and drinking is a pickpocket's dream!

• Transportation stations & Metro. Bus, train, and metro stations are hotspots for pickpockets and thieves because you are likely to be carrying lots of things with you, are probably a little disoriented when arriving in a new place, there are lots of people and distractions, and you often have your wallet out to pay for tickets. When you put your wallet back in your pocket, they can see exactly where you put it.  

They often work in groups

This trick is used to confuse people - one person (or a group of people) may cause a distraction while another takes your valuables and runs.

They purposefully distract you or “scam” you

If you are confronted with a group of people attempting to get your attention (kicking a soccer ball to you, asking you lots of questions, etc.), keep an eye on your things and walk away. 

• Watch out for the famous bird poop scam, in which the thief approaches you claiming that you have bird poop on your back. They will attempt to "help" you wipe it off, and this way, they get easy access to your pockets, jewelry, and valuables.

• Pickpockets may say that they are undercover police and that someone may be following you. They ask for your identification and wallet to check your identity, but when you hand it over, they take off running.

• If you are sitting in a cafe with your backpack, someone may walk by and drop their keys right near you. When you get up to return the key to the passerby, someone else will run up behind you and take your backpack. 

Watch the video below to see an example of pickpocketing, so that you can learn how to avoid it happening to you!

• Pickpockets prefer easy victims - if you look like you're very aware of your surroundings and don't have any valuables on display, it is far less likely that you will be targeted.

• Carry only what you need and nothing more. Leave valuables, your passport, and extra cash that you aren't going to use that day in your accommodations and carry the bare minimum. 

• Be wary when using a backpack, especially in public transportation or crowded areas. Wear it in the front (it sounds weird but you'll quickly see that most locals do this) or keep your valuables in another place, like your front pockets. If you are in a restaurant, wrap the strap around your leg (if you're going to set it on the floor) or simply keep it on your lap when seated.

• Don’t wear valuables around your neck.  Things like your phone, valuables, or expensive jewelry are best kept out of sight and tucked away in a bag or purse (with a zipper!). 

• Be confident and walk with purpose. Pickpockets look for tourists, so looking at Google Maps or walking around looking confused may be signals to them. If you need to look up anything on Google Maps, go into a cafe/store or off to the side before you do so. 

• In public transportation, keep your purse or wallet out of sight and zipped up. Don’t set things down on the ground, and pay extra attention to people around you. 

• Keep your passport safe - Do not carry it around if not needed. You can carry a copy with you instead. 

• Avoid walking in dark isolated back streets, especially if you are alone.

• When on the beach, do not leave your belongings unattended. If you're going to sunbathe or swim, be sure to leave any valuables at your apartment or homestay or have someone stay behind with the things while you go in the water.

• Stay in a state of mind where you can take care of your things. The more you drink, the more likely you are to let your guard down. Most students report being pickpocketed in or around nightclubs when they’ve been drinking. 

1. IF YOU ARE HURT call the emergency line 

• If there was any violence involved, please call the emergency phone (+34 675 23 56 56) and head to our partner clinic Delfos. 

2. If you losT your keys let us know

• If you were carrying your house keys and your address on you, please let us know ASAP as we will need to have all the locks in your apartment/homestay replaced. If you did not have your home address with you email the housing department at housing@barcelonasae.com to talk about a replacement.

3. CANCEL CARDS 

Cancel any credit or debit cards that were taken immediately. 

• American Express: 902 37 56 37

• Mastercard: 900 99 11 24

• Visa: 913 62 62 00

4. SUBMIT A POLICE REPORT 

It is especially important to do this if you have lost personal information (ID, Passport) to avoid identity theft and for insurance purposes. Most insurance companies will require proof that a theft has occurred before you can make a claim. To file a report (a denuncia in Spanish):

• Go directly to a police station (Mossos de Esquadra): You can report a crime at any police station (comisaría de policía). See the full list below in the section "where to submit a report".  (Note that with this option you might have to wait a while at the station).

• Get an appointment to file the report: Request an appointment here. 

Please, ask our onsite team (health@barcelonasae.com) for assistance to set an appointment or go to the station with you if you need it.

NOTE: You will need to present a form of identification like your passport or ID (in case they haven't been stolen), and you'll also need any documentary evidence that you may have to support your claim. 

Additionally, If you have lost your phone, it will be very useful to have your IMEI phone serial number to add to the police report in case it can be retrieved from the police. 

USEFUL TIP: Email your country's consulate as they often receive lost IDs, wallets, etc. You do not need to submit a police report if you've lost something, only if it was stolen.

5. CHECK HOME INSURANCE

Your family’s homeowners insurance may cover the cost of some stolen items. Check with them, but remember that you’ll need the police report to state exactly what items were taken.

6. EMAIL STAFF

Email our staff to inform us about the incident and let us know if there is anything else you need to: health@ barcelonasae.com 

Police reports can be filed at the following police stations:

• GRÀCIA: Av. Vallcarca, 169 / Tel: 93 306 23 20

• HORTA-GUINARDO: C. Marina, 347 / Tel: 93 326 82 00

• LES CORTS: Trav. De les Corts, 319 / Tel: 93 495 97 00

• NOU BARRIS: C. Aiguablava, 55 / Tel: 93 243 74 00

• CIUTAT VELLA: C. Nou de la Rambla, 76 / Tel: 93 306 23 00 (The police station can provide an English speaker with whom to make a report)

• GUARDIA URBANA. CIUTAT VELLA: Carrer la Rambla, 76-78 / Tel: 93 25 62 430 (with translator)

• BARCELONETA: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 32, 08003 Barcelona 93 256 54/ 93 256 54 81 

• EIXAMPLE: Pl. Espanya, 1 / Tel: 93 554 27 00 (with translator)

• SANT ANDREU: Pg. Torras i Bages, 145 / Tel: 93 361 88 00

• SANT MARTI: C. Bolivia, 30-32 / Tel: 93 486 84 35

• SANTS-MONTJUIC: C. Ulldecona, 35 / Tel: 93 267 56 00

• SARRIA SANT GERVASI: C. Iradier, 9-11 / Tel: 93 306 23 10