Crime in Barcelona, Spain

Have just been robbed in Barcelona. Maremagnum. Bag snatched with valuables from pram with sleeping baby (monstrous!). There is a new law, which legalises stealing. Theft with a worth below 500 euros is not punishable anymore. Police do nothing. People who live and work there told me they know who the pickpocketers are, and how they operate in their gangs, and how Barcelona is getting more unsafe by the day. Do Not Go there. Once a beautiful place to visit. Now is huge safety risk. Even in Bestial (beach restaurant) there is a BIG sign outside the toilet, reading "experiencing sexual assault of feeling unsafe? Talk to Angela in the bar". That is NOT there without a reason.

Love this city, but you really have to make sure you keep you guard up. I was almost robbed and another time my dad stopped a robbery. Basically everyone I know who has been in Barcelona has been robbed or someone in their group has been robbed.

I visit Barcelona every 6 weeks for work from Manchester UK.
Yes definitely pick pockets everywhere BUT can be very safe if you just carry a little cash and NOT passport. Credit card in belt under your shirt.

A beautiful City with the Beautiful Spanish people.
Highly recommend

My son’s first trip to Europe was to Barcelona. He was mugged on the first night. Several people surrounded Him and robbed him of all his money and credit cards. He called me and sounded so scared and we ended up both in tears. I wanted him to have a good experience traveling and learning about different cultures, while meeting new people. Instead he cut his trip short and he came home

I spent Sept and Oct 2017 in Barcelona.
Not a single problem.
I had total strangers go out of their way to help me ! The people were very kind. Sure , I had someone trying to insult me during a demonstration going on and one cab driver was rude. So what ? No harm done.
There were countless cab drivers who were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met there.
I don’t believe in blaming the victims..... but there is no excuse for letting someone pick your pocket ! Use a fabric money belt under your shirt in front. Keep a few euros in your front pocket. Why walk around with a passport? Leave that and most of your currency in your hotel safe ! And do your best to not look like you are a goofy tourist swinging Chanele or LV handbags on your arm. Do that back home where people you know can be impressed ! Why act like a big shot in front of people you will never see again ? Statistics show it’s safer than Dallas , Texas ! And violent crimes are very rare in Barcelona! Those are the things you should look into.......
Not some pickpocket thing .........

I took my daughter to Europe for a quick trip through various countries. Because I had been in Europe years ago, I fondly remembered Barcelona. I am not political, so I was unaware of the intense political battle there for Catalonia. I was robbed immediately as I left the airport doors. I was looking for the shuttle, was in a very open area with NO ONE around. Empty. A cabbie drove up and asked my daughter if she needed help, I turned to see what she was doing and stepped away for a couple of seconds. It was in that time that my purse with EVERYTHING in it was stolen. In the area we were in there was an overpass, concrete walls, with no one around. Someone must have hidden in some crevice or bush because it was empty. We later learned about the diversions, so the cabbie must have been that. I am older, and am very traumatized. I totally regret going to Barcelona and will never return and I now HATE Spain/Catalunya. I lost everything of value: my passport, my driver's license, cash of $1500, my cell phone, my keys, my credit card and my bank card. I was extremely upset and we went to the Policia at the airport. We met others who had just been robbed there, too. (the airport) Police are NOT police. They don't care! Our papers were written in Catalonian, so you know that they did not care. It was extremely traumatic, and the consulate was not open because of the holidays. Once we were able to get to the Consulate, we met many other people who also had horrible stories. On the form I filled out, the first question was: "Were you a victim of one of the following crimes: 1. Tire slashing scam." There was a couple who were 80-years-old who were victims of that. We also ran into a man from Burma who had his tires slashed - he was robbed twice. I had no idea of the amount and kinds of scams there. They usually work in groups of 10-15. They are quite sophisticated and obviously sociopathic. They don't care if people crash and die when they slash their tires. They just want the goods. Ironically, they also have huge graffiti about "GO HOME, TOURISTAS. NO TOURISTAS!" Tourism has been the main way they have survived - there is little of an economy there. I hope they do get their own country because I want to watch them burn and die. No tourists and still have money? I don't think so. They are now bast*rds who deserve to suffer. It is a land of sociopaths. No morals. Then when I came back to the States to get a replacement driver's license, I could not believe my eyes when I saw a video IN the DMV promoting tourism in BARCELONA! I have no idea who is advertising that, but it was extremely disturbing. I know of an American couple who lived in Barcelona for about 25-years, and I was surprised when they moved to the Netherlands. Now, I know why - although they had been there for decades, they could not remain as white foreigners. The police never did anything at all about our report. The Consulate said that the crime was absolutely horrible and so many people have been victimized. Yet, they (or stupid travel agents) put others at harm to advertise to visit "Beautiful Barcelona?" "Beautiful," I don't think so. Graffiti on nearly every wall. Trash all over the place. People from who knows where selling knock-off purses, shoes and whatever else you'd want in the middle of the plaza. We actually saw the numerous crimes that the theft groups were running. A man selling single roses from a bunch of roses - another scam - divert the buyer while they are pick pocketed. Acrobats performing - another front to get people diverted to be robbed. In the past, it was "Spain," and now, it is garbage. In the past, people were kind and warm. I wonder where they went to? They probably moved out of Barcelona. Now they purposely go out of their way to be rude, crass, nasty, and cruel. Not only had I been looking to come back to there, but to be raped of my dignity, all my money, my identity, everything, was more than I could bear. Be aware that this is NOT a tourist center. I don't care how much you want to see Gaudi, it is better not to. Protect yourself first! This is now a city of sociopaths and immigrants. It is not the Spain (it IS still part of Spain) that I knew in the past. Give them their wish: pull the rug out from under them and do NOT be a tourist there. It is NOT worth it. You will undoubtedly hear the numerous stories we heard about others being robbed or attacked there. Catalonians remind me of the sociopaths in jail. They have no moral compass. It will now be an entire country of people like that. The very few people I met who were at least decent were Spanish, not Catalonian. If they become a country I would advise any other country to not do business with them. They want to suck the life out of tourists who are the very ones who give them any sort of economy, and they do not deserve anyone else to do business with them. Let them rot and die.

One of the most dodgy cities and we stayed in a nicer area in Catalunya. My parents and aunt were robbed by men dressed as policemen with a Walkman, who pretended to want to see ID/passport and as if they were giving passport numbers to someone, then robbed them of their cash (Euros only). They were distracted by a man pretending to be a lost tourist whilst the police intervened and robbed them. The hotel receptionist said that it wasn't Spanish men and the Italians cause a lot of havoc in the city.
This was just 1 of many incidences I have heard off . We have travelled to over 30 cities and have never been robbed before especially not in Muslim countries!

This happened on Marina Avenue, my rented car tire was slashed with a nail while driving through an intersection really close to the centre. Furthermore while fixing the tire I was robbed. No criminality you say? This is the worst city in Europe as far as I'm concerned regarding safety.

And of course why not, the rental company then charges you for the tire.

For those of you that have had things stolen, I would advise maybe looking after your belongings a little better. It's quite obvious that in any city you should take more care with your possessions. Barcelona is a safe city, I walked there there day and night and in numerous locations and apart from the odd junkie or drunk person, there isn't much different in what you'd find anywhere else. Obviously you dont want to go walking around more 'notorious' areas at night because then you're just increasing your own risk (you wouldn't walk through Tottenham at 2am)
I'm from the UK and I'd say that cities here are far worse than barcelona for crime. Pickpocketing is probably the only major crime that happens there (which isn't that major) but again, be vigilant and you'll be fine. I walked a lot with my girlfriend through most parts of Barcelona, most of the people were friendly and generally the atmosphere was laid back and relaxed.

I was victim of a scam in Barcelona. They took a bag with a computer cable and a shirt but I felt very bad and don't look at this city with the same friendly eyes again.
The topic which is never discussed is why does the police and the municipal authorities let this happen. Even New York became a safer city.
It is a shame that Barcelona has become an unsafe city for tourist and for a very real reason.
To those responsible: do something about it. It is possible!

Just come back dater a weekend in gorgeous Barcelona. Beautiful city, felt safe everywhere we went. Plenty of police on streets in hotspots.
Saw nothing remotely dodgy. Don't be put off from visiting this amazing place.

Love this fun city. Went everywhere walking with my wife and 11 yo daughter walking even in dark alleys. Felt safe in our more than week stay back in June 2016. We're from L.A. area California.

I completely disagree, I love Barcelona and the people.the food makes me happy. Bye have a great time!

Barcelona is much safer than London and you don't hear about murders.

I had stayed for almost one year in Catalunya and one hour away from Barcelona. First off I had heard from a friend that their rented appartment for the weekend was broken into, the girls present were robbed while one girl was robbed at knifepoint. I, a young male, was on my way home from Carnaval celebrations early in the morning when three Spanish young adult males were walking close by me shortly after I left Sants Estacion Metro and began talking to me. I holding my GPS (IPhone) didn't need help, but I enjoyed the company, so when they suggested a direct route through a park I didn't think twice until they got quiet. I voiced my apprehension and soon enough they were asking me to hand over my money and phone. I escaped, but not without them ripping my jacket. I never reported them because I was afraid I would miss my bus that left every couple of hours and because I had heard no police would do anything if I wasn't harmed. Also, I 'lost' my wallet on a bus that was just entering Barcelona which I fell asleep on briefly. This doesnt mean I didn't enjoy the city of Barcelona, but curiously I haven't been taken advantage of for several months in Central America. I was more trusting of people in Barcelona, and it is a very multicultural city.

Don't get drunk and walk alone in Barcelona at night. Just lost my phone to some really friendly thief. There was absolutely nothing to give him away except the moment he started running away from me. That's when I checked my pockets and my phone was gone.

Look, if your pissed and not aware of your surroundings then you will become another victim.

Tip. Have some lose change and a card that looks like a credit card but does not work or fake notes, if you can get hold of them. if you get attacked, then just give it to them and say that's all you have.. They will then release they have been had and not you...

New here, reading the lasts comments is fun to me. I agree with Anonimous...this is the view you get when most of your time in the Centre which is not Barcelona anymore. I m not one to think my city is the best in the world, In fact, now I think it is a trashbin and mostly due to immigration. I m not racist but most immigrants are a tool of the central goverment to eliminate the locals, ergo catalans. The outcome has been very disparate...and normally you get people very fustrated in front. Thanksfully, there are no guns here if not I dont think what could be! Certainly, Barcelona is a very fake city and it seems white people really likes it! because booze and petty sex is quite available. I travelled before extensively and never seen a place so fake as this, except Istambul, maybe. And to answer A. Ferreira, the most chauvinistic cultural people here are: spanish (proper), southamericans (args, first), pakis, brits, arabs and italian..in this order...lots of years of study by my part. Anyway, yo uare free to see it as you may like.

I stayed in barcelona for 10 days and i must say that is unsafe city high in crime, felt unconfortable walk at night time all over the city.

I'm originally from England but have lived in Barcelona for 12 years, i work as a tour guide in the center so i am always keeping myself up to date with what is going on, and am in contact with tourists every day. I have never fallen victim to crime myself but i have heard many story's of pickpockets and bag snatching.
The only advise i can give is exactly the same advise i would give to anyone in any other major global city, keep your valuables very close to you at all times and stay vigilant. Don't walk home alone and don't wounder down dark allies unless you have to.

One thing i will say about this beautiful city is that although petty crime is quite high it is very very rare that you will hear about violent crime or murder happening. Compared with other major European cities i would say it's one of the safest.

Friend was mugged and beaten during the Mobile World Congress Show after leaving bar to walk to Hotel. Very uneasy feeling at night. Be careful, walk with a companion.

Update from December 2014.
Got robbed at 7 o'clock in the morning by 4 non-spanish speaking guys at a side street connecting to La Rambla. Attacked (choked) from behind as I walked past them.

Barcelona being safe? Don't think so any more.