Top Ten Tips to Avoid being Pick Pocketed

If you have just arrived in Barcelona or are planning a trip to the city then you are in for a real treat. From leaving your Barcelona hotel this city has something to do for everyone. You can visit the Nou Camp to see the famous FC Barcelona play or tour the museum, you can admire all the works of Gaudi dotted around the city, you can go to the shops and also discover lots of other delights which other people might not have experienced. However during your stay you will become familiar with the fact that there are many skilled pickpockets around the tourist areas like Las Ramblas.
Let me make one thing clear: Barcelona is a very safe city and very rarely will you see or experience any acts of violence as most pickpockets make sure that their approach goes unnoticed.

However here are my Top Ten Tips to prevent you being targeted.

1. Wear your normal clothes: It seems unbelievable the amount of tourists who decide to wear football shirts and sports apparel or general "tourist" clothing. You look like a target!

2. Bring trousers: Spain is definitely not warm all year round so don't expect to be able to walk around in beach wear all day. Try and observe what the locals are wearing and follow their lead.

3. Keep maps and guidebooks out of site: There really is no point to be displaying them unless you are looking for something as you just become a target.

4. Keep your bag under the table: NOT hanging over a chair as it can be easily dipped. Make sure you have one strap wrapped round your leg.

5. Hide stuff of value: What is the point of having all your cool cameras and phones on display if you're not using them?

6. Wear your bag on your front: Especially in crowded place like the metro as pickpockets can slice open a bag, rob it and be gone without you noticing.

7. Avoid physical contact: Some people will "accidentally" bump into you or try and hug you saying "eeengleeeesh", meanwhile slipping a hand in for your wallet. They're not your friends so don't make the effort!

8. Don't play street games: Especially on Las Ramblas, the shows and statues are fun but in a big crowd there are pickpockets lurking, waiting until you become distracted so they can pounce.

9. Don't carry all money, cards, passports: If you plan to use your credit card then you will need your passport as I.D but if you're not using it then why carry it? Only carry the amount of cash you plan to spend that day and maybe one bank card. Leave the rest in your hotel.

10. Be alert on the metro: The number one place to get robbed is on the metro as it's a very crowded area with many people getting on and off. Keep a tight grip on your bag and always keep your hands in the pocket of your wallet. If you notice something missing then don't be afraid to shout and alert others so that the culprit may panic and drop their stash.

........and finally
Don't drink to much!: I'm not trying to spoil your fun and of course you can enjoy a drink but just don't over do it. Your reactions slow down, you become less alert and overly friendly so you can become a sitting duck for these crafty pickpockets.
For a more comprehensive Barcelona Guide.