[Leica] Hoppy does Barcelona - first report

[jayanand at gmail.com (Jayanand Govindaraj)]

Same thing happened to me in the George V metro stop in Paris a couple of
years ago. The pickpockets took the cash and threw the wallet, so I got my
credit cards,etc back.We live and learn..I have never been pickpocketed in
India, but then I dont look like a tourist here!
Cheers
Jayanand.

On 10/23/07, Christopher Birchenhall <crbirchenhall@googlemail.com> wrote:
>
> Steve
>
> I have to say my visit to Barcelona was greatly marred by numerous
> teams of thieves. Yes I was naive and wandered around with my camera
> kit in full view! I was the victim of a classic 3 man attack on the
> tube; one gets in front of you, one behind and one waiting to pick up
> the booty. The one in front stoops to pick up his watch which he has
> dropped, the one behind picks your wallet etc as you bump into the
> first, he passes the booty to the third. I am happy to report a friend
> had warned me about this classic move. As soon as I saw the first
> picking up his watch and holding me up I turned around and turned into
> a VERY NOISY ENGLISHMAN shouting at the top of my voice at the man in
> front and behind. I have to say the locals helped me and I retrieved
> my wallet without loss. Later the same day my wife and I were stalked
> by a another team in a park; I was able to stare them down before they
> made a move. On our way home I was able to spot at least one other
> team on the underground. Teams also target cars at traffic lights. It
> rather put me off the city despire its many charms. If you go; go
> prepared. I can note when I arrived at my hotel I was handed a note
> warning me of the problem. I guess there must be a web site somewhere
> that lists the various standard tricks used by the thieves. I am sure
> there are similar stories for many cities but in my experience
> Barcelona has been the worst - the best was Athens where I never felt
> threatened even in the poorest areas. Here in Manchester I am careful;
> guess I have to thank Barcelona for making me more street wise.
>
> All in all, Barcelona is a wonderful city but you need to warn
> visitors to be street wise from the moment they arrive. A few tips
> what to look for may help. I can finally note almost all girls in
> Barcelona wear their rucksacks back to front i.e. on their chest where
> thay can see them.
>
> Apologies to our friends in Barcelona but I am only reporting my
> experience in your great city.
>
> All the best Chris B
>
> On 22/10/2007, Steve Unsworth <lug@steveunsworth.co.uk> wrote:
> > Can I ask a question? On the LUF we're in the process of choosing next
> > year's venue for our annual get together/competition - this year's was
> > Berlin, I got back last week.
> >
> > One of the possible venues is Barcelona, but some people seem concerned
> > about low level street crime - pick pockets etc. Did you feel unsafe or
> > venerable why you were in Barcelona?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
> > On 21/10/07 21:47, "Nathan Wajsman" <nathan@nathanfoto.com> wrote:
> >
> > > About an hour ago I got back to my apartment in Alicante after a
> > > wonderful weekend spent with Hoppy and his lovely wife Bron in
> > > Barcelona...
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
>
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