In winter, tourists wear more layers of clothing and become less mobile, which plays into the hands of pickpockets — it is easier to reach into a thick sheepskin coat without the owner noticing and then conceal the stolen item beneath a coat draped over an arm. Don’t let criminals ruin your vacation. Barcelona and Madrid made the top ten cities where street theft is widespread. The Spanish edition of The Local prepared several tips on how to protect your belongings from thieves and scammers:
1. Keep your belongings close on public transport
As you know, pickpockets scan metro carriages looking for easy targets. Timing plays an important role here. A pickpocket can grab your belongings and jump out just as the train doors are closing. If you put your bag on the floor or on the seat next to you, make sure you keep a firm hold on it, especially if you are sitting near the doors.
2. Watch out for thieves in crowded tourist areas
You can be robbed even in the suburbs of Madrid, but pickpockets are more likely to choose places crowded with tourists, such as Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado, and the Royal Palace in Madrid. According to statistics, tourists are robbed more often on the central metro lines than on other routes.
3. Be careful with people posing as police officers
Thieves often pose as police officers. They approach you on the street and ask to see your documents and wallet, supposedly because they are looking for counterfeit money. Later, you may discover that they have replaced your money with counterfeit notes. Remember that the police will not simply approach you and ask to see your wallet. Even if a police officer is concerned about your behavior, they will ask to see your documents and show you their identification.
4. Watch out for fake tourists
If a confused, unfortunate-looking tourist carrying a camera and video camera asks you for directions, you will probably want to help. While you are showing them the way, stay alert: the “tourist” may have an accomplice who will use the distraction to steal your belongings.
5. Don’t become the “ham in the sandwich”
This can happen in any crowded place. You find yourself squeezed between two people on a bus or escalator, while the person behind you empties your pockets and backpack. In crowded places, wear your backpack in front of you and keep valuables out of your pockets.
6. Be careful when paying the bill
Everyone knows that leaving your phone or wallet on a restaurant table makes it an easy target for thieves, but you can also be robbed while paying the bill. A waiter may take your money, exchange it for counterfeit notes, and return them to you while accusing you of trying to pay with fake money. You will then have to pay twice. If something like this happens, contact the management of the establishment. Also, try not to let your credit card out of your sight.
7. Don’t overpay taxi drivers
If you don’t know how much your journey should cost, a taxi driver can easily deceive you by charging €25 for a trip that should cost five times less. Use only trusted transport services or find out the approximate fare in advance. Once you arrive, check whether there is a fixed fare — for example, a journey from central Madrid to the airport costs €30.
8. Don’t sign fake petitions
Pickpockets often ask people to sign a petition. Whether you sign it or not, the scammers may then pressure you to make a charitable donation. The scammer often has an accomplice: while one openly asks you for money, the other steals your belongings.
9. Don’t fall for the lost-item trick
Scammers with the best intentions will follow you, trying to return a valuable item that they claim you have lost. While you are explaining the situation to one of them, an accomplice may empty your pockets. If a stranger offers you money or jewelry, leave as quickly as possible. There is another version of the same scam: someone suddenly drops money or a bag, you stop to help, and their accomplice searches your pockets.
10. Avoid unexpected street games
While walking down the street, you may see several people playing cards by the roadside. No matter how tempting the game may look, don’t take part. It is another scam, just like joining a street football game. If you participate, you are likely to end up without your personal belongings.