PSA for folks in Barcelona: pickpocket gangs are getting way too bold

I've been based in Barcelona for a few months, and the theft situation feels worse. Just yesterday, I was at a coworking spot in Gracia, and my backpack was zipped up under the table. A person asked for directions, and while I was helping, their partner swiped my power bank and wallet. I didn't even feel it happen. Other digital nomads I've met here share similar stories lately. It seems these groups are targeting cafes and shared workspaces more often. I lost some cash and had to deal with replacing my IDs, which was a huge hassle. So, keep your bags in sight and maybe use a clip to secure them to something.

2 comments

2 Comments

benk875h ago

It's the distraction, not just the location.

emmag401h ago

Totally agree with @benk87 on this. Distractions can creep in no matter where you are, right? Sometimes moving spots just shifts the type of interruption you face. If your mind is pulled in ten directions, a quiet room won't fix much. So maybe the real fix is managing those pulls, not just the place.