Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/10/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Steve I have to say my visit to Barcelona was greatly marred by numerous teams of thieves. Yes I was naive and wandered around with my camera kit in full view! I was the victim of a classic 3 man attack on the tube; one gets in front of you, one behind and one waiting to pick up the booty. The one in front stoops to pick up his watch which he has dropped, the one behind picks your wallet etc as you bump into the first, he passes the booty to the third. I am happy to report a friend had warned me about this classic move. As soon as I saw the first picking up his watch and holding me up I turned around and turned into a VERY NOISY ENGLISHMAN shouting at the top of my voice at the man in front and behind. I have to say the locals helped me and I retrieved my wallet without loss. Later the same day my wife and I were stalked by a another team in a park; I was able to stare them down before they made a move. On our way home I was able to spot at least one other team on the underground. Teams also target cars at traffic lights. It rather put me off the city despire its many charms. If you go; go prepared. I can note when I arrived at my hotel I was handed a note warning me of the problem. I guess there must be a web site somewhere that lists the various standard tricks used by the thieves. I am sure there are similar stories for many cities but in my experience Barcelona has been the worst - the best was Athens where I never felt threatened even in the poorest areas. Here in Manchester I am careful; guess I have to thank Barcelona for making me more street wise. All in all, Barcelona is a wonderful city but you need to warn visitors to be street wise from the moment they arrive. A few tips what to look for may help. I can finally note almost all girls in Barcelona wear their rucksacks back to front i.e. on their chest where thay can see them. Apologies to our friends in Barcelona but I am only reporting my experience in your great city. All the best Chris B On 22/10/2007, Steve Unsworth <lug@steveunsworth.co.uk> wrote: > Can I ask a question? On the LUF we're in the process of choosing next > year's venue for our annual get together/competition - this year's was > Berlin, I got back last week. > > One of the possible venues is Barcelona, but some people seem concerned > about low level street crime - pick pockets etc. Did you feel unsafe or > venerable why you were in Barcelona? > > Thanks > > Steve > > > On 21/10/07 21:47, "Nathan Wajsman" <nathan@nathanfoto.com> wrote: > > > About an hour ago I got back to my apartment in Alicante after a > > wonderful weekend spent with Hoppy and his lovely wife Bron in > > Barcelona... > > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >