Pickpockets in Barcelona

I would like not to write this post about pickpockets in Barcelona as it feels like it is an unsafe city which is not. Though this week I saw two thiefs acting and I feel I have to write things I don't like about Barcelona too.

The first one stole a movile phone in a metro's wagon, ( I have to say I was stolen couple of times in metro, some of them I could stop them before going further) . Thiefs take advantadge of the rushing time when the beep beep beep alarm for 'we-are-going-to-close-wagon's-door' goes and everybody in the platform wants to go in. Normally you are pushed (not strange in the hurry up moment) and your purse-movile-wallet is stolen. Fast and easy.

Second thief tried to stole student's belongings in a library while they were studing or choosing a book in the shelfs. Some time ago , University decided to install padlockers in the lockers because of the thiefs, as sad as it sounds.

None of the thiefs this week, reached their aim but we all were very confused and angry at the moment.

I've been living for a really long time in Barcelona and everybody I know it's been stolen at some point. Not necessary , though to put your wallet in your underwear but it is very important not to leave your passport, money, whatever in the external pockets of your rucksak or coat or pants...even if you think you will notice if someone puts a hand on it, probably you won't in some situations. What makes you a good target? Cameras ( of course you can bring cameras to Barcelona but discretion is a point , you don't need to show you are a tourist , do you?), laptop, huuuuge map of the city... If you fancy a beer or coffee in a terrace don't leave your belongings next chair or in the back of your chair, always better in your lap. Some thiefs act as a team, one distract ( asking something, saying you've been stained and try to help you...) and the other one steals your bag. I prefer to be rude if someone I don't know tries to talk to me and looks a weird situation than to be robbered.
If you are living in Barcelona don't let people you don't know ( you can let in neighbours you already know, of course) take the lift with you, it is rare but sometimes thiefs give a try). Bikes are easy stolen too ( but that's another story).

Here  a link where people who's been stolen explains briefly what had happened and places in google maps where did happen.