Crime in Barcelona, Spain

I live in Barcelona for 5 years and I took a decision to move soon from here.
The situation is insane:crime is increasing, no measures are taken, everywhere in the centre you go you see some faces of these people that come not to work but to be a parasite. These people sometimes are defended by local Catalonia s, and you cannot call the names as then you gonna be blamed as a racist and nationalist even if everyone knows which kind of population is spreading the crime.
The crime is actually kinda accepted in Barcelona - stealing with no violence is not a crime, break in into someone else's flat and live there for free is a socially accepted norm. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about as thhe past week in my district policy was trying to get those illegal people occupying someone else's flats but the locals came out to protest to throw stones at police while insulting police officers for doing their job. Few policemen got injured by those protectors of ocupas (this way they call people that break in into someone else's flats).
If you try to hit some criminal that is trying to steal from you or someone else, locals most likely would scream at you for being a violent nationalist.
I believe this kind of locals deserve all the things happening now. All decent locals have already moved away.
For me there is no sense to continue living here - I'm moving to another region of Spain.

My friend was just robbed by 3 men while getting into a cab. He stayed out a little longer than us and Had his phone out trying to look up our address. While one was grabbing his watch the others took what they could from his pockets stealing his phone a credit card and some cash. Be careful and stay with your group.

This city is out of control. If you decide to visit be careful (whether it's daytime or nighttime) with any Moroccan youngster you see from afar, because they are violent criminals anD they will not doubt stabbing you in the leg or beating you up just to steal your phone. Don't wear golden chains or valuable watches either. Moroccans are destroying our society.

Hello, I was born in Barcelona, ​​and I have been living in this city for 53 years. If someone who thinks of traveling reads this may be of interest.
Barcelona is not an insecure city at the level of Ciudad Juarez, of course, but my recommendation is that they try to go unnoticed and do not look like tourists, not to be clueless and act as a local would do, to have a lot of attention throughout the downtown area and in some parks, especially in places where not many people circulate and at night from 10 pm, especially when returning and better if they have not had many drinks, because this is something that criminals observe. Watch your bags, and do not carry the phones in your hand and at all times maintain common sense because the truth is that you, foreigners are an easier target. There are many young Moroccan criminals who tend to be violent, and their victims are usually foreigners in the first place that if they notice that they are being watched, move away from the place or directly call 112 police without thinking about it. For the rest if they always watch and take these precautions, nothing has to happen to them, sometimes it is better not to be fearful because this makes them more violent. Good Luck and welcome

We just moved to Barcelona from Germany. We rented a temporary apartment for few month in El Born till we find a long term home. I have to say that i was visiting Barcelona very often previous years. I was never robbed. But this time i am experiencing Barcelona from the different and dark side. We parked our car in Free Parking area in Plaja de Bogatell overnight and next day our car window was smashed with some metal and broken into. There were another cars which were broken into as well. We didnt have any valuables inside thanks God, just 10€ sunglasses which were taken of course. They made a mess inside the car and we had to pay the repair 600€!!! The streets dont seem to be safer anymore like i visited in 2014,2015,2016.. in all corners are some shady guys standing and scanning the tourists. I am not beeing paranoid, but you feel always eyes on you. In the metro you always have to carry your bag in front of you. Never have your phone in your hands.. dont wear expensive juwelery or watches.

Barcelona is not definitely a safe city, so be careful and always watchout at your stuff.
Since a year I am living close to the Rambla and I heard several people been stolen.
The areas of Raval, Born and Gotic are the most critical for robbery during night time.
Quite often they steal the bag to women if they are walking in the early morning alone. More than one time the screams of the unfortunate woke me up in the night.
Also Barceloneta is full of thieves, ready to steal your bag when you are on the beach or your watch/wallet when you are walking around the district. The metro requires attention too, especially in the moment that you take out the wallet to buy your ticket.

People seem to think its ok.
To walk around Barcelona late at night with their noses stuck in their phones are just thick.

Initially, this in March 2019, we were scared enough to read about any dangers to visit Barcelona ... but we couldn't go back. Therefore, with the attention of the case, we read the various safety suggestions indicated by the expert travelers and by the local consulates, becoming aware that in a large city, with more than 1,500,000 inhabitants, care must be taken in all situations. These indications were very useful in not underestimating anything. Returning to the trip, in Barcelona we were amazed at how the feeling of security was better than any other big city: police present, checks and security on the subways and in tourist places, possibly even with the AllertCops app of the police and civil guard to stay tracked. In conclusion, we can say that Barcelona is trying hard to make its city safe for tourists, even with the help of its people. Fortunately it was all wonderful and the feeling of security was beyond expectations.

Walking back to my Airbnb at 5am Saturday morning in Las Ramblas after being dropped off by my taxi, had my iphone in my hands secured with pop socket looking at the map, thief runs by me and pulls iPhone out of my hand, pop socket attachment pops off and he proceeds running away with my phone accompanied by two friends. As my boyfriend begins running after them, the thief with my phone throws the phone to his friend and they split up separate ways. I am annoyed that people claim that being “smart” with prevent this. You’d think you could at least navigate the streets of this city without this constant fear. The police were kind, but I’m being made well aware that this happens all the time and it’s a shame because it’s a beautiful city. I’ve never felt so unsafe with my personal property walking alone, although I don’t fear that I’d be a victim of a violent crime, it’s unsettling that I can’t even walk back to my Airbnb without fear of being a victim.
- From NC, USA having traveled to cities NYC and Rome. Travel with a friend.

On the highway into town we had someone indicate there was something wrong with our rental car, but he pulled away before getting out of the car. Moments later, another driver indicated there was a problem, he was nice enough to pull out and tells us there is something wrong with the wheel. While he was doing this the driver snuck into the the car and stole the bags.

The next day while at breakfast, we had a bag stolen from the table.

The police stations were closed and were unhelpful over the phone.

I was just in Barcelona for a cruise. Arrived a couple of days early on (9/14-9/16) and stayed an extra day after(9/23). On Sunday morning I was walking along La Rambla with anonther woman to go get breakfast. At 7:55 I was mugged by a man that ran up from the side and ripped my iphone from my hands before running off down an alley/street. After screaming for help the police finally arrived and told us in English that they needed to take us to police station to take report. After arriving at the station, we never even were taken inside. I was told (in English) “There is no one here to take report in English. I had been asked on the way to police station (again in English) if the thief was wearing black. Obviously there was no desire to help. Also, when we returned from cruise, four of us arrived by taxi to hotel. There were at least a half a dozen people scoping us out and trying to approach myself and trying to trip the one man in our party. I do not suggest travel to Barcelona. The events in that city caused a lot of trauma.

Extremely safe city. Those comments below from people mugged in Las Ramblas... Well walk drunk in any other make city tourist attraction (I.e Times Sq) and see what happens. Act like an adult keep an eye on your stuff and you will be absolutely fine.

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.