Are pickpockets violent?

Although pickpockets usually do not engage in violence, that is not always the case. A criminal who has been arrested multiple times understands a lengthy prison sentence awaits them. It's not inconceivable the thief may be willing to inflict bodily harm with fists or a weapon if caught in the act.



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#5 The Slasher. This kind of pickpocket can be dangerous because they rely on a knife to carry out their crimes. Like the typical pickpocket, they wait in touristy areas like markets and look for someone with a backpack that's easy to slash.

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Your clothes are a dead giveaway. The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep your alma mater, try to dress like the locals.

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Who do pickpockets target? Pickpockets look for distracted and unaware travelers. “That's not to say that anyone can be prey, but if you're engrossed in your phone, you're less attentive to what's going on around you,” said Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author.

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Las Ramblas, the main promenade through central Barcelona, is humming with activity 24 hours a day and – pickpockets and tourist scams aside – is considered safe. Late at night, the south end of the street may feel a little seedy but is still relatively safe (and pretty easy to avoid if you prefer).

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Travel lovers are, unfortunately, the most likely targets for pickpockets around the world. Whether true or not, pickpockets often view tourists as wealthy, making travelers a prime opportunity in a pickpocket's mind.

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There's little serious crime, but watch out for petty theft Locals say they tend to strike in crowded places like bus and train stations. Our locals recommend keeping your extra cash, credit cards, and passport locked in your hotel safe. Only take what you need when you're out and about.

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Go to any Police Station (Comisaría) or Citizens Advice Bureau to file a report (denuncia)
  1. Police Stations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  2. Remember that the Spanish police are not necessarily multilingual, the police station for the 'Mossos d'Esquadra' can provide an English speaker with whom to make a report.


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