But is the reputation fair. Carry as little around as possible and don't wear much jewellery.Tell friends you are taking a city break to Barcelona and the word 'pickpocket' always seems to crop Dust Removal Machine Manufacturers up.Before asking why little seems to be done to stamp out the problems by the Spanish authorities, UK visitors should remember the situation in London. If your hotel has a safe, use it. Rome and Naples have had scooter-driving thieves for years, often snatching necklaces as well as handbags, causing physical as well as financial damage.
The thieves know a stranger to the city will be focused on finding their way to the taxi rank, or the Metro, and know when their victims are at their most vulnerable. Be careful about retaliating, however, as the gang may well have 'protectors' nearby. Many visitors have lost their money within minutes of arriving at a Paris railway station. Barcelona, indeed all the cities mentioned, are fabulous places to visit. After snatching something through the window at traffic lights, they will be away at speed with pursuit through the narrow streets near impossible. As well as the numerous pickpockets on Oxford Street and elsewhrre, gangs of Albanian children work the city's bars, stealing handbags and laptops by the thousand, on a daily basis. If a band of somewhat dishevelled women gather round you pretending to sell you a map, get your hands straight to your pockets. Don't let the threat ruin your holiday but do avoid the obvious risks.
Some offenders in London have been caught hundreds of times, but are released without charge and seemingly go straight back to work. The city has a reputation for petty crime which blights its otherwise excellent name as one of the most civilised cities in Europe. Remember, it's only a small proportion of visitors who do get robbed. Pick-pockets and bag-snatchers, sometimes using scooters, operate in the Andalusian city. Do use money belts or clothing with hidden 'security' pockets.While often describes as 'petty crimes', and seemingly getting more rather than less common, the answer is to think through your security before you leave.Other cities like Paris, Rome and Naples have major problems too. Be on your guard at all times, particularly if someone bumps in to you, or offers to clean something off your clothes. Madrid has the 'mapselling' gangs of women - I was once surrounded by a gang leaving the Retriro Park waving scruffy maps in my face and actually caught a scrawny hand inside a pocket as I realised immediately what was happening.
These women are skilled at their chosen profession and will be in your pockets, even if zipped, in seconds. Do spread your credit cards around your person and make sure your passport is as secure as possible.In particular, be vigilent and avoid helping the thieves by carrying money in back pockets, leaving handbags open or giving other invitations to the dishonest. It's been a problem for years yet little is done by the authorities although more responsible bar operators have increased their own security and warn customers of the risk if anything is left unguarded.Other Spanish cities have a similar problem.
A few simple precautions will increase your chances of a trouble-free city break. If you do get robbed, do report it to the police and get a crime reference number so you can at least claim on your travel insurance. They often target tourists' cars caught in the heavy traffic, particularly if car windows are open because of the searing heat.Seville has a poor reputation too. Is Barcelona any worse than other major city break destinations?The Ramblas, the Metro and other tourist hotspots do seem to attract criminals with a variety of scams. With a little commonsense, you'll have a trouble-free time.

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