Cameras and Street thieves in Barcelona
Sep 23, 2018 07:12:56 #
brianmen
Loc: Sydney Australia
I have learnt a new (for me) method the Street thieves use. I have traveled extensively and im very aware of the normal tricks they play,. However this one was new for me. I had just come out of a shop and was looking for my wife when a youngish guy got in my face and started furiously tap dancing. I looked down and with that my gold chain came out of my shirt and in a flash he ripped it off my neck and bolted. I have worn this constantly day and night all around the world for 30+ years and it never entered my head it was a risk. I wear a thief proof backpack, cheap watch, button up trouser pockets etc.
Immediately following his escape 2 more tried the same stunt. I also had my camera on a strap round my neck so I think that was the second point of attack so fortunately I realised something was up and screamed and swore at them. They took off.
The point of my tal ine, when someone starts Tap dancing in front of you don't look down, and scream at them in a very loud voice so everyone in the vicinity will hear.
The police in Barcelona were fantastic.
Immediately following his escape 2 more tried the same stunt. I also had my camera on a strap round my neck so I think that was the second point of attack so fortunately I realised something was up and screamed and swore at them. They took off.
The point of my tal ine, when someone starts Tap dancing in front of you don't look down, and scream at them in a very loud voice so everyone in the vicinity will hear.
The police in Barcelona were fantastic.
Sep 23, 2018 07:38:58 #
Rick Steves' best advice: "When traveling in Europe never carry anything with you that you can't afford to have stolen". The sad reality...
Sep 23, 2018 07:48:39 #
sorry about your experience. my wife and i just got home from a 16 day trip from Barcelona to Venice on a cruise...it was great...i feel lucky that neither my wife nor i were approached by thieves...Thankfully for me i will be able to post pictures from our trip, maybe not so good for all the hoggers on here...lol
Sep 23, 2018 07:50:46 #
FreddB
Loc: PA - Delaware County
But...but...EVERYTHING European is so vastly superior to ANY thing American!
😈😈😈
😈😈😈
Sep 23, 2018 08:08:13 #
It really doesn't matter where you are, always be aware that there will be someone looking to steal something from you. And people still do stupid things such as displaying cash when putting it away while open in public.
Sep 23, 2018 08:23:08 #
sb wrote:
Rick Steves' best advice: "When traveling in Europe never carry anything with you that you can't afford to have stolen". The sad reality...
Right. I try to do that whenever I'm out in public.
Sep 23, 2018 08:33:50 #
I am going to say that Madrid and Barcelona are two cities in Spain where extra caution is needed. As you get away from big cities people tend to be nicer.
In April I spent 12 days in the island of Mallorca. I photographed day and night and I never had any encounter with thieves. People were nice, friendly, polite and helpful if in need.
In April I spent 12 days in the island of Mallorca. I photographed day and night and I never had any encounter with thieves. People were nice, friendly, polite and helpful if in need.
Sep 23, 2018 10:47:56 #
I live in California and don't wear jewelry to Stockton or Modesto, too many robbers, so it's not just Spain, or Europe. It's everywhere.
Sep 23, 2018 10:53:48 #
Had no problem in Barcelona back in May... all I carried was my Fuji X-E2. No big “tourist” bag. But I was watching for possible situations though.
Sep 23, 2018 11:54:16 #
Another argument for just carrying a SMALL body and zoom lens setup.... Oly Mark ii and 12-100 zoom; all you need.
Sep 23, 2018 12:00:27 #
camerapapi wrote:
I am going to say that Madrid and Barcelona are two cities in Spain where extra caution is needed. As you get away from big cities people tend to be nicer.
In April I spent 12 days in the island of Mallorca. I photographed day and night and I never had any encounter with thieves. People were nice, friendly, polite and helpful if in need.
In April I spent 12 days in the island of Mallorca. I photographed day and night and I never had any encounter with thieves. People were nice, friendly, polite and helpful if in need.
Sep 23, 2018 12:00:29 #
brianmen
Loc: Sydney Australia
That's what I carry. Unfortunately even thats big in rob the tourist terms. I try to keep it in front of me held close when I'm not shooting.
Sep 23, 2018 12:00:58 #
brianmen
Loc: Sydney Australia
That's what I carry. Unfortunately even thats big in rob the tourist terms. I try to keep it in front of me held close when I'm not shooting.
Sep 23, 2018 13:12:52 #
via the lens wrote:
I live in California and don't wear jewelry to Stockton or Modesto, too many robbers, so it's not just Spain, or Europe. It's everywhere.
I don't believe that Stockton and Modesto are "everywhere". Their reputation; indeed, California's reputation, tells me those cities, that State, are very unlike "everywhere" else.
Sep 23, 2018 13:37:27 #
I've always worried about my camera making me a target...it's a Nikon D7200 with a 300mm Nikon zoom lens, about $2,000 retail hanging around my neck for all to see or try to grab. I do carry a can of "Halt" pepper spray that is extremely nasty stuff but the much preferred alternative is to avoid violent confrontations, especially since I'm in my mid 70s.
Any suggestions to make walking around with a quality camera and lens safer will be very appreciated. BTW, I've thought of getting a small but powerful pocket sized pistol like a little Beretta Pico, but would much prefer not to go that way if possible.
Any suggestions to make walking around with a quality camera and lens safer will be very appreciated. BTW, I've thought of getting a small but powerful pocket sized pistol like a little Beretta Pico, but would much prefer not to go that way if possible.
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