Lots of contributions on our Facebook wall during April 2011.
We’re now redacting surnames to protect user identities.
Let’s start:
Christoffer
Watch out for a group of girls ages 15-25, around Parc de la Ciutadella claiming to petition names for allowing wheelchair access to the fountain. After you sign it they ask for a donation (bullshit). If you say you don’t have any money, they will cling on to you and grab whatever is on your pockets. I got furious when they tried it on me and when I knew that my wallet was gone. When I confronted them about it and causing a scene saying I will call the police, my wallet suddenly appeared on the ground behind me. Be careful whenever someone asks for money and they try to distract you. I wanted to go back and kick their arses but that would probably land me in jail. Such a crappy way to screw up a nice and beautiful day.
Saul
Did anyone else see the prostitutes on Ramblas get robbed last night? About 3am just up from pl Reial? Interesting turn of events. Mossos disappeared rather sharpish..
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Saul, any addition information on this / description of what you saw?
Saul
Two guys jumped the African ladies about one block up from pl Reial toward pl Catalunya. Stole their wallets, mobiles etc from the looks of it, and did a runner next right going down towards the sea. Suddenly loads of guys appeared looking after the ladies, and surprise the police left sharpish. Hanged around for a few minutes and they started having a go at tourists, as the “help,” wasn’t helping much. I left for obvious reasons and found the police up a side alley about another block up. They didnt seem inclined to get involved. All caught on cctv I’m guessing from the cameras mounted round there.
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Stuart
The three moors who rob backpacks are at the top of Lluis Companys, next to the Arc de Triomf. I.ll take me camera next time.
Luke
get pictures please! inbox me i’ll come with you as back up.
Stuart
Aye, give you a shout next week, it’s usually around 15:00 they are around there.
Luke
anyone else want to join us? camera attack?
Stuart
Next week, some time… I’ll try and organise something, they are bound to be there.
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Nikola
My bicycle saddle got stolen today in broad daylight by a thief with a crescent wrench. A pain in the behind, both literally and figuratively.
Lili
plonkers!
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
C/Tallers 2.10am. Two pickpockets chased by three guys. Both groups shouting languages I don’t recognise.
Joseph
I hope they catch the bastards.
Joseph
But, as we know, be restrained where violence is concerned! ;)
Saul
Unless you are fully trained in unarmed combat, don’t be trying the hero shit. The robbers have had a hard winter (good), and are getting nasty while they wait for the tourists to return. My advice for most people is don’t try and mess with these guys, it is not worth it. They have less to lose than you do.
Raimundo
Indeed. Tested out.
Ian
no lol fight and if you loose fight harder the next time you ll soon get the hang of it
Ian
tested it out and …. its not true not for me it does nt have to be for you
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Article in today’s El Periódico, three guys jailed for robbing with violence. Some small good news.
Mariano
and still another bad ones, after beeing catched robbing tourist pretending being police, 6 rumanians are inmediately released.
Mariano
http://www.lavanguardia.es/sucesos/20110405/54137377848/detenidos-por-hacerse-pasar-por-policias-para-robar-a-turistas-en-barcelona.html
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Mariano, thank you. I’ll link to this tomoro.
Mark
Episodes with violence seem to be on the rise im afraid!
Mark
The biggest shame is that I hardly ever stop to help ANYONE now or give people a “fuego”..the robbers are turning us against each other.
Renée
Yeah I know what you mean. The first thing I do when somebody stops me to ask for directions is to grab my purse tight
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Mark
I was in Ryans bar on c/paradis last thursday and a girl was pickpocketed in the bar. Luckily she noticed and was situated at the bar itself so the guy was confronted. An argument ensued and the police turned up. Over a period of about an hour 6 or 7 police arrived and took the guy outside and blocked my street. I dont know what happened after that but it seemed like the police were going to arrest him. What surprised me was this happened in this bar which I presumed was fairly safe (the bar staff know this city and i think are “on the ball”)..
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
They are savvy in there, true enough, but they suffer from being in a backstreet and backstreets tend to be favourites because criminals can skulk away. That said, I’ve never seen anything in this particular bar that troubled me.
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Mark
Anyways I went home after a couple of hours and my flat mates friend was there and as I was telling her this story she told me how she´d just been robbed of 300 euros (somewhere else) and was on her way to the police station. This was my first night back in Barcelona after a month´s holiday in England and to be honest I´m now done with this city. (A shame because when I came here 8 years ago for a holiday I fell in love with BCN and actually moved here!)
BTW I´ve been pickpocked etc..numerous times and violently robbed near La Çatedral (strangulation by 3 guys!)
Peace out x
Hunter
Yikes!
Mark
Beneath the sweet juicy skin of this city´s apple lies a maggot infested inner core! (Oops that was heavy!!)
Ashley
Mark, I understand exactly how you feel. I came here two years ago with the idea that I´d stay here forever. Already considering moving somewhere else, just based on the problem with the crime here.
Tasha
all big cities have these problems though, there is no gun crime here, murder is practically unheard of, yes the police are rubbish with the pick pockets but quality of life here is pretty damn good, isnt it? I feel a million times safer here than in London…
Mark
Yeh thats true, you´re absolutely right Tasha…I´d rather be pick pocketed than badly beaten.
Tasha
I know its bad here, a LOT of people get robbed but crime in big cities these days is totally normal, thats just how it is, Barcelona isnt worse than other big cities, look at Rio in Brazil, little kids getting shot at everyday! All this talk of immigrants being the problem and the need to control it etc is all well and good, but dont forget, we’re immigrants too…
Mark
Good points, well made :-)
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
I don’t think we should settle for second or third best. Why accept that pickpocketing is a part of life here. True there might not be much gun-crime (though a shop attendant was shot in the head last month) but saying that we should be thankful that we >only< have pickpocketing isn’t acceptable.
You might be an immigrant Tasha, and so might I, but it doesn’t mean everyone on here is, nor does it mean that everyone who pickpockets is an immigrant.
I feel safer in London than Barcelona.
Ashley
True that there aren´t so many murders here but lately (at least from what I´ve heard and read) the number of rapes/sexual assult has risen in the last few months. I´ve never lived in London, so I can only compare Barcelona to NYC. At least there, I knew if something bad happened to me the police would be on it in a matter of minutes and arrest the person responsible (and have them locked away for alot longer than a few days) instead of saying ¨sorry, there´s nothing we can do.¨ The pickpockets and criminals do their job quite well here, it´s the police that don´t.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona Though in the defense of the police, the law is a joke.
Ian
mr hewlett i suggest you buy a tazer or some cs gas and the next time some fellas try and rob you gas em n shock em
Mark
I´d love to Mr Peeke but the law defends, loves & nurtures criminals so I´d end up in prison for simply defending myself!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Robbing tourists while pretending to be police. Released hours later. (h/t Mariano)
Gemma
sempre queden en “llibertat amb càrrecs”
Joel
Escobar A mis padres les abordaron estos falsos “policias secretas” cuando visitaron Barcelona hace un par de años!
Christoffer
This will eventually lead to paranoia. Trust no one. Keep your hands in your pockets. Don’t stop and talk to anyone. In fact, just stay inside behind a bolted door all day.
–
This Facebook group was one year old last week. We currently have 2,784 fans/friends. We have plans for the year ahead. All to be revealed soon.
Damien
last sunday i saw thieves run the length of an empty carriage to block someone’s path while their mates fiddled with their pockets and bags from behind. they had no success and stayed putt. in shock at their brazen nature when i got off at barceloneta i informed security who told me to tell the TMB guys the other side of the turnstiles. they told me there was nothing they could do. meanwhile i went for a leisurely burger and came back an hour and a half later and the same four “security guards” were standing as i had left them, backs to the platform watching people putting their tickets in. i’m sorry but wouldn’t they be better off listening to customers concerns about safety rather than being ticket enforcers?
Damien
my house has also been burgled by the way and not a single day goes by when i don’t see thieves at work on the metro. i have never seen it so bad or else i have been blissfully unaware but it has reached epidemic proportions now, and i look forward to whatever you have planned.
Ian
happy birthday has the cake been robbed ?
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Stand-by for more info Damien.
Mariano
sorry I insist but there is among this new plans to invite join the group the candidates to the Barcelona City Hall??? by the way congratulations and sorry but I hope one day this group will dissapear
James
Good work the last year – keep up the pressure..
Parvez
great work this past year- count me in for whatever you have planned (I’m from/in the U.S., but frequently visit).
Greg
I’m curious if the city, city governance knows about this site / our fan page. Are there any Barcelona journalists that could write and publish this one year status, etc? stay strong about our cause, it will change one day.
Luke
count me in. blogging, posters, demo etc.
Mark
I have a friend in the Mossos, I´ll tell him about this page too :-)
Rahul
still they r not doing anything.
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Ferran
Me he fijado que has borrado mis comentarios, ambos iguales pues ponia uno y desaparecia al cabo de poco, ahora el otro… me doy de baja de este grupo.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Ferran, I received an email notification that your post had been posted this morning, but when I clicked on the link, the post was not visible. I thought you had deleted it yourself. I visited your profile afterwards, that’s why I remember it was you specifically (I remember the photo). My apologies, but I think it was a Facebook bug, I did not delete your post. I invite you to repost it.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Here is the content of your post, if you would like to repost it. “I don´t like! This is big motiv for future robbs in Barcelona… I have a word for it: CHUSMA!
PS: and the politics nothing nothing nothing… this is we end”
Ferran
OK, I supose is an error of facebook site… no problem, I return to this page. Thank you for aclariment!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Thank you Ferran.
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Sara
the cops were on it last night! a guy ran past me full speed with a guy right behind him. then came the girlfreind. she said the dude took her boyfreinds camara. she seemed bored. apparently last night some guys lifted his wallet but he managed to get it back. i left her and saw some cops and gave em the description, they had their hands full but they dispatched two plainclothes guys off in the direction i last saw the thief. hope they got him! he was wearing they silliest most conspicuois shorts.
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Eduardo
http://www.adn.es/local/barcelona/20110407/NWS-1831-objetivos-multireincidentes.html
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Luke
just now.. calle de call…paralell to ferran. 3 french tourists chasing two morros who had just grabbed a bag…. was on my balcony… couldnt get down there in time.
Mark
Im not racist but a lot of crimes are allegedly committed by Morros.
Mark
BTW C-Ferran is nuts right now, Id recommend avoiding it, everytime i go down there (at night) I see some cockroaches scuttling around and stealing in the open too!
Luke
a spade is a earth removing device?
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Ashley
Two flats below me were completely emptied (other than furniture) yesterday around 17:00. We live next to La Estación del Norte and it´s incredible that they were able to do that on a Saturday afternoon without anyone knowing. Though we´ve put on new and very heavy locks in our house, we´re just waiting for it to be us next. What a shame.
Andrea
OMG!
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Luke
download print paste up distribute
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Do you have a hi-res version of this which we can distribute. Facebook has made this too small to be useful for printing.
Danny
HI RES COMING SOON!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Danny/Luke, if you could send it to the email address visible at the top of robbedinbarcelona.com I’ll distribute it. If you want to give me specific instructions around how you imagine it being used and whatnot, please include.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Will go live at approx 10.15am tomoro morning.
Luke
HI RES NOW UP: PRINT OUT THE POSTER, THEN TRANSFER TO PHOTOCOPY (PRINT INK RUNS, PHOTOCOPY INK DOESNT).
THEN, PASTE UP USING A PAINT BRUSH WALLPAPER PASTE IN A BUCKET MIXED WITH A LITTLE WHITE WOOD GLUE. (THE WHITE WOOD GLUE MAKES THE POSETR HARDER TO REMOVE) YOU CAN EVEN USE A WASHING UP LIQUID BOTTLE INSTEAD OF A BUCKET TO BE LESS OBVIOUS.
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Good idea. Where’d you find? (Wonder if we could get some print company to sponsor us a few 1000 stick
Danny Wainwright
HI RES COMING SOON!
Luke McEvoy
HI RES NOW UP: www.robbedinbarcelona.com
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Ashley
the same thing happened to me in monjuic about a year ago. a group of three gypsy girls and i screamed at them as well and they gave me back my money! seems like they haven´t stopped!
Christoffer
Not trying to be racist, but these did also indeed look like gypsies – I should have known something was wrong when they immediately approached me in English (no Catalan would do that). I wanted to go back and take a photo, but they obviously moved to a new spot as soon as I left.
Christoffer
Here is a video that kind of shows what happened. Only I was on the staircase up on the fountain and they attacked me when I tried to leave. There were about 3-4 girls around me and then a group of another 3-4 sitting on the staircase higher up, probably blocking passage or escape.
Christoffer
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Pick P Photos Barcelona
Working on metro Urquinaona about 30 min ago. Watch out!!! Platform red line direction Bellvitge.
Mark
Thanks for the photos, good to know!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Update to homepage etc coming-up. Thank you. Please do use your new account to post more photos, if you can get them.
Pick P Photos Barcelona
Thanks, I will. I made this account as I don´t want my “friends” to know who I am. They did see me make the pic hahaha, but were to late in hiding their faces ;)
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
PPPB, sorry it took so long to publish, I was toying with a new delivery system (Blog/Facebook/Twitter) and it didn’t work for me first or second time.
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Andrea
2 hours ago 2 morros in Born tried to steal in a Bar the bag and sunglasses of a french girl!She was fast and brave enough to confront them!Luckily she got her things back!0_o
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Andrea, I’m placing this on Twitter @RiBCN
Andrea
I didn’t want to name the tapas bar,because it is a good one and I don’t want people to think,it’s not safe there…
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
I understand. Good thinking.
Ian
i think yuo should name it or it wont be as safe as it could be
Mark
I agree u should name it, isnt that the point to put the information out there?
Andrea
Okay,I see your point!It was the Pinxos Bar “Golfo de Bizkaia”.
Mark
ty andrea :-)
Andrea
I don’t know why your comments don’t show up here,Mark,but I saw it anyway;-)
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Brian
could they be any less obvious….I would never see it coming if they tried to rob me….they look just like rich tourists or like they’re on their way to work at the borsa….super-incognitos
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Some observations. 1. The jacket over the wrist is a classic pickpocking tactic as it allows the guy to conceal what he’s doing with his hand(s). 2. I know many people wear runners/sneakers, but robbers always wear them (it helps them make a speedy getaway). 3. There are usually two working in tandem. One who does the actual robbing, and the other who does the look-out and provides back-up in case the first guy needs it. Sometimes the second guy runs with the wallet/bag whilst the first guy remains on-scene to claim he knows nothing about it, or doesn’t have it on him (which of course he doesn’t).
Brian
I’ve noticed in Pg de Gracia that I see the same guys sitting on the benches of L3 just after a train has left the station…they usually get up and leave when they see they’ve piqued my attention…I have a hard time believing the same people miss the same train every day…
Mariano
I have seen them in Clot L2 and L1, with other 2 guys
Gábor
guys you are getting paranoiac, prejudging… u can t be this fck scared, can u
Brian Reedy
who’s scared? certainly not me….but it pays to be paranoid these days–the numbers and the pictures don’t lie….
Mark Hewlett Thanks 4 posting!
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Mariana
I have often seen the same guys, standing in front of the window of bar Princesa 23, looking inside (probably looking for a prey) and then phoning somebody else…
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Mark
Australian guy I met tonight was “down” after being here less than 24hrs, robbed by 6 prostitutes on the Ramblas. They grabbed his ummm “old chap” and stole all his money, hopefully he´ll right up the details soon..
Mark
OOPS write up I meant…
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Mark
..forgot to mention bag snatch on C-Ferran last friday too. Also Saturday night a guy followed me up Ferran and luckily I managed to duck into a side street b4 getting home..he definitely didnt wanna have a nice chat about the price of cucumber sandwiches..ooh and 2 weekends ago again on C-Ferran I friend of mine got her I-phone swiped..ummm do I need to go on !!?
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Posters to Print and Post
Stuart
& be very careful not to get spotted by… the police. (I know, ironic) It’s around 300 €. Just be smart about it.
Luke
PRINT OUT THE POSTER, THEN TRANSFER TO PHOTOCOPY (PRINT INK RUNS, PHOTOCOPY INK DOESNT).
THEN, PASTE UP USING A PAINT BRUSH WALLPAPER PASTE IN A BUCKET MIXED WITH A LITTLE WHITE WOOD GLUE. (THE WHITE WOOD GLUE MAKES THE POSETR HARDER TO REMOVE) YOU CAN EVEN USE A WASHING UP LIQUID BOTTLE INSTEAD OF A BUCKET TO BE LESS OBVIOUS.
Ashley Marie would it be illegal to hang one up in my building? since there´s been so much robbery going on inside, i´d like to hang one up, but don´t want to deal ith a 300€ fine.
Stuart
If you hang one from your own balcony room there is NO problem, though considering how the council behave go figure. Still I’d like to see them try!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
@Ashley, you can place it in reception/entrada/inside-front-door of your own building without risk. The €300 fine is only applicable if you get caught putting it up on the street.
Ashley
ah ok, perfect. i´ll hang one on both places! thanks!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Photo on Twitter @RiBCN of first one of these seen in the wild.
Sean
Nice work getting the website up! Hopefully, it should start getting a bit more coverage from people who haven’t yet been robbed in Barcelona (therefore not seeking out the group) and also should start picking up in search when people are looking for things in Barcelona.
If it stops a potential victim becoming a victim in town, or other people (the adjuntement, the press, tourist orgs, Joe Public) start taking notice seeing that there is a group out here that are starting to make a noise about the problem then hopefully, sometime in the future, they start to work on reducing the problem.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Thank you Sean.
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Jose
There are a group of pickpocketers, 3 men and 2 women, Romanian, at the metro station of Paral.lel. Next to the tickets machine. Be careful!!!!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Now live on Twitter @RiBCN
Eric
And you wrote that from your iPhone? You must be really brave or insane. xD
Doina
you can take a photo of them
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Christoffer
I suggest renaming this group to “Robbed in Barcelona” or similar, it makes more sense and also goes with your new domain name. Cheers!
Roger
And yeah, drop the “I”, let it be “robbed in Barcelona” :)
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Not possible guys, Facebook doesn’t allow it.
Christoffer
It is possible, you can set up a new page and them ask them nicely to move all fans to this new group. Usually helps if you know someone on the inside.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
You know someone on the inside? :)
Christoffer
Maybe, I can try and ask to see what they say.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
It’d wanna be painless tho. Really don’t wanna be chasing 2.8k people to be subbing/unsubbing.
Christoffer
Obviously not. It should be a painless procedure if it can be done.
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Tiffany
”Going to the racetrack can be a bigger gamble than you think. You make your bet, lean over the rail, and the crowd closes in. You go to collect, only to discover that you’ve won your bet, but lost your billfold.
Don’t waste your time searching the grandstands. If you want to find where your wallet went, look inside this book. Chances are, it was lifted by a professional pickpocket.”
Techniques of the Professional Pickpocket
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Dani
As I was getting off the airport bus outside El Corte in Cataluña lst night, a couple of shady-looking characters shoved their way on and started trying to reach the bags in the luggage racks while their mate stood guard outside. Luckily, the passengers trying to get off subtly hemmed them in and prevented them getting near the racks, and eventually they were forced to get off the bus with everyone else. Not sure if this is an old trick as I usually get the train, which I think I’ll stick to in the future!
Mark
Thanks 4 that..funnily enough I change from the train to the bus cos i thought it would be safer!
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Daryl
I would like to help now. Its hard for a under funded police force to keep up with these guys. Me myself prevented a robbery on the metro this afternoon. I put myself un between the guy and his intended target, he know I was on to him on the metro its self, when his intended target got off he apprached me and tried to ask what my problem was with him, nothing he still questioned me then tried to usual routine of trying to shake my hand and doing the reverse dance routine, I made sure I transfeerd what could have been taken in to a front pocket, i broke out of his dance and he bumped my head at this point he wanted to fight me, but then loads of people came. I went on to point him out to a secuity guard as strangley enough he did not leave the metro station and choose to try and get the metro back the other way….
Daryl
I know I have made many comments about this page, but its been in the spirt of prevention
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Daryl, what metro station, and what time approx? I’d like to put it up on Twitter. What you experienced was something similar to what I experienced myself, it mad me frustrated, and that’s why I started this group.
Daryl
I got on at Parrelell. It all happend at Cataulyna,13.45 ish. Today. The girls were unaware and will still be unaware they was a potential target. Another thing when I told the secuity guard he seemed to know who I was on about stright away. He was in a team of 3 lads whom he was going to meet at Drassuners.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Daryl, thank you, now live on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RiBCN/status/57812742190542848
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well done! its out there!
Luke
robbedinbarcelona.com
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Raval
Aunque somos los mejores, tenemos que mejorar! Aqui hacen algo bueno: I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona Support their cause!
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Jose
There is a group of pickpocketers operating right now in the yellow line, passeig de gracia. With sunglasses and hats, girls watching the stairs and boys in the platform.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
That’s now on Twitter, thank you (@RiBCN)
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Boaz
so many good cameras with unseen footage !!ay ay ay ay!
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http://www.robbedinbarcelona.com/
hi res posters to print, photocopy and paste up
Robbed In Barcelona | I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
www.robbedinbarcelona.com
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Next iteration, might be worth putting (if you’re in agreement) the URL for the RobbedInBarcelona.com site. OR, a QR code, which’d be pretty cool. I can help with QR if you don’t know how to generate.
Luke
will do. QR code…yep lets do that.
Ro
WILL POST A POSTER IN OUR BUILDING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN GOTICO,,, TO WARN VISITORS… THANKS.
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Elna
open your eyes, at metro poble sec, the thieves are waiting near the machines
and choose their victims…
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Saul
WTF? So who is paying all these people employed to minimise theft and drug sales? Or should I say who is paying them to protect the robbers, drug dealers and prostitutes?
15 April at 14:13 · Like
Mark
Yeh in a sense we´re double victims, we get robbed & we pay for the extra policing too!
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Veronika
They just robbed my mobile phone yesterday in Barceloneta metro station- these bastards. Look after your stuff people they are everywhere!
Ro
AND I REPORTED TO THE SECURITY IN BARCELONETA ON MONDAY AFTERNOON THAT ROBBERS WHERE ON THE TRAIN DOWN AT THE PLATFORM WHILE 6 SECURITY MEN IN ORANGE JKTS WITH GUARD DOG ALSATIONS WERE UP IN THE STATION………. WHY ARENT THEY ON THE GODAMN TRAINS….
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
It’s the weekend, be careful out there! Watch Twitter hashtag #RiBCNalert for live updates from the street on robber activity. We’re @RiBCN on Twitter. Follow us, retweet us.
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Sara
Hey! this is a new one for you all. i dont know if the guy was after my bag or my booty but i got followed in a white hatchback last night all the way from the rambla and drassanes till paralelle and nou de la rambla. i tried to jason bourne him by busting lefts and rights on opposite direction streets, then i tried walking with a group of 7, 20 year old dudes. when that did work i faked going into apolo with them and just hung out with the security gaurds (i worked there) till i thought it was cool to go on alone.
Luke
did you get the plate number?
Sara
i didnt really think of that till after… i was all…duuuuuhhhh. the good thing though was that it wasnt really threatening at all just really really creepy.
Ro
THATS HORRIBLE………..
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Stefanie
My bag was robbed at the beach…one guy tried to sell tatoos to me, the other one came from behinde and took my stuff…and believe me…people saw it and didin´t do a thing about it..be carefull…they are everywhere and you do not even notice them…they are so sneaky and silent….
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
When did this happen Stefanie?
Stefanie
Yesterday…..It was my last day in Barcelona….
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Would you be interested in writing a guest post, Stefanie? If so please email us at address at the top of robbedinbarcelona.com
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Hugs in Pou de la Figuera today as returning migrant robbers meet their buddies again. A lucrative summer tourist season ahead. #RiBCNalert
Xavi
I saw three thugs on Diagonal Metro station at 20,30 last thrusday
Francis
unemployment down, pockets empty
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Jose
Tonight two of my customers at the hotel have been robbed by four guys asking for an address just outside Sants Station. :(
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Any more details on how they did it, or the technique used? Any opinion on the new trial to all customers report robberies in hotels? (see RobbedInBarcelona.com blog)
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Mark
Get ready for the annual Easter thieving festival about to start. The Romanian/Albanian and North African ( you know who you are ) cockroaches will be out in force…
If you want some live entertainment, stay on the metro for about an hour and count how many robbery attempts you can see. Also, look out for the Police standing idly by and doing absolultely nothing…..
Note: not recomended for those with high blood pressure
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Mark, do you feel Easter is particularly prone to robbery, if so why?
Ro
THE CITY NIS FULLY BOOKED HOLIDAYWISE WITH VISITORS FROM ALL OVER…PEOPLE WHO WANT TO EXPLORE AND SEE ALL THE SIGHTS AND ITS MECCA FOR THE LADRONES.. SAD.
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Jose
There were 4 Romanians, 2 girls ( one pregnant) and two boys, “working” in the metro, green line, to Sants Station. Be careful!!!
Ro
GREEN LINE IS LETHAL…..ALWAYS FULL OF ROBBERS…………..
Brian
especially between Fontana and the Ramblas (Liceu and Drassanes)…
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Jose
How sad is to hear this!!!, yesterday two of my customers were robbed, today another couple has been snatched in the metro, maybe the politicians should stop using their official cars, that we all pay, and start to use the metro to realise about the problem!!!.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Jose, do you think hotels would be open to the idea of distributing information (if we provided it) to guests when they check-in (along with their maps, maybe)?
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Brian
supposedly this is just to reduce the queues at the police stations, which was giving the city a bad image…..think we’ll ever get round to the real problem?
Terry
don’t know if ‘like’ is the right word. I am pleased that visitors will be able to file reports from their hotels – perhaps more tourists will file reports. I always warnvisitors to be careful with their belongings, and advise them on the different techniques that I’m aware of. But wouldn’t it be nice if this wasn’t necessary (people never believe it’s that bad til it happens to them anyway!). I hate having to think my outfit just because I happen to be going into town (clutch bag? no way! bag with flap, duh no!, now what have I got with deep pockets…)
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Sorry to repost myself, but I have to share my opinion, also displayed on the blog: “You know, this pisses me off.
Why are they implementing it?
Not because it’s a discomfort to the victim, or because it’s easier, no, it’s because “They begin to share their stories. What image of the city are they going to take away with them?”
It’s specifically for this stupid blind arrogance that this blog is more important than ever. Victims need to know they are not alone. Discovering that they are not alone in being victimised brings solace; sharing stories amongst themselves leads to less people becoming victims as the word is spread that you need to be careful in Barcelona.”
Brian
I’m going to the US consulate tomorrow to renew my passport…..whenever I go to the consulate there are always a few people waiting with me who have a war story to share….same thing at the American Express office on the Rambla…
18 April at 11:35 · Like
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona Brian, unofficially enquire if the consulate has to deal with many robberies, you know, ask them how many a week approx “lose” their passports. Don’t know if they’ll answer, but I’d like to know.
Brian
I’ll try to slip it in there without being too conspicuous…i’ll keep you informed either way…
Jose
They already could report the robbery by the phone at the hotel. This is not new. What about increase the presence of the police in the streets, and instead of an useless and helpless person inside the ticket box at the metro station we have permanent security at the platforms or the train coach!!!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Jose, would hotels be willing to provide information (if we provided it, for example) to guests to advise them about how to avoid being a victim of pickpocketing? It could be given to them at the same time as their map, perhaps.
Jose
Something like that was promoted by trurisme de Barcelona, if I remember correctly, there was a flyer, printed by Turisme, that the customers could check.
Jose
When i speak with my customers they tell me they have been warned in their countries about the problem of the pickpocketers in Barcelona. It is not a problem of imfornation.
Luke
watch the crime stats rocket! we are number one BCN, BCN, BCN, BCN!
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Sorry for posting the same (or mostly the same) story twice – we don’t mean to spam you. However, this updated version of the original article from El Pais mentions “Robbed In Barcelona” and both the Facebook page and the blog, in the opening paragraph.
Summer
”‘We won’t forestall the robberies, but we will stem the flow of commentary,’ Clos hopes.”
Ro Molloy
OK SO HOPEFULLY THESE ROBBERIES DO GET REPORTED AS THEY POSS INVOLVE YOUR PASSPORT AND WITHOUT A POLICE FILE ITS PROBABLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RENEW THROUGH YOUR EMBASSY,,,, BUT I KNOW OF MANY MANY BAG ROBBERYS AND RONALDINHO ATTEMPTS AT WALLET SNATCHING RECENTLY WHERE NO BODY REPORTS IT…. AS THEY FEEL ITS POINTLESS..
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Summer
Just now found a set of three cards in the building’s doorway. Two Visas and a market discount card. Oddly, this is the second time I have found cards in the doorway, and both times the victims have been españolas–last time she was a journalist from Vilassar de Mar.
Summer
Pardon that I assumed they were espanyoles from their names. Political correctness is implied.
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I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Alberto Fernández of PP has officially responded to our question: http://www.robbedinbarcelona.com/2011/04/19/five-mayoral-candidates-one-question/#comment-50
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
@Greg, we’re doing a guest post tomoro on the blog. Have a read of it. I wonder if you’d be interested in penning a story of your own experience?
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona Xavier Trias of CiU has officially responded to our question: http://www.robbedinbarcelona.com/2011/04/19/five-mayoral-candidates-one-question/#comment-52
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Adam
Me and my fiancée are going to barcelona in June and were going to maybe stay in gracia district. Are most these robberies in the la ramblas area? Or everywhere? probably just day visit la ramblas as it sounds very touristy & especially after reading all these don’t want to spend alot of time around that area!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
You should be fine in Gracia. Just be observant of your possessions and keep things simple. Ramblas is very touristic, but it has Boqueria market which is pretty and it fronts onto the sea which is nice also. Enjoy.
Brian
I live in Gracia, and for the moment it’s fairly safe….just keep everything on your lap and in sight if you’re sitting in a terrace…
Adam
Thanks guys
Ro Molloy
leave your fancy bag at home and take bare minimum in cash in your well hidden pockets. enjoy!
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Brian
Went to the US consulate to renew my passport today and met two people getting emergency replacements–both robbed at terraces
Brian
wasn’t able to get any specific information from the officials though…
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Understood. Thanks for trying.
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Kristiina
My phone was robbed in Boulevard Culture Club (at las Ramblas) this monday :( Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr . . . be careful at nightclubs :S
Anne
Something similar happened to me. You living in Barcelona?
Kristiina
Really? Yes, I live very close to Barcelona :)
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Roy
The under cover police just caught 1 on Princesa….
Saul
But they let you go?
Roy
The girl who got robbed grabbed her bag back off the secret police, yelled abuse at the robber and stormed off, and didn’t stay to make a statement, so I guess he will be back on the streets robbing when someone brings him his papers.
Saul
Silly idiot.
Summer
:/
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Elna
hey put your twitter account link…i can’t find it
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Hi Elna, twitter account is @RiBCN
Elna
pero porque en catalan
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Our updates are in English, our communications with locals are in Catalan. We’ll speak Spanish or any other language if we need to. If you speak English, it’s safe to follow us as it’s the primary language.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
More footage going up now, this time from TVE1.
Elna
donde lo puedo ver?
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Jose
I have just avoided a tourist from been snatched at Paral.lel metro station. The pickpocketers had already taken his wallet but we got it back. The funny thing is that they stood on the platform after we left waiting for another victim. Three Romanian, one girl 3 boys, one of them looked to be not even 14 years old. How sad!!!!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Now live on Twitter using hashtag #RiBCNalert
Ro
well done! problem is we are more concerned than the authorities at the stations etc…. and perhaps put ourselves at risk…
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Japanese Posters Warning About Pickpockets
Brian
You can go to Tokyo and see drunken salarymen on the train passed out with Rolexes and cash hanging out of their pockets and no one touches them—-imagine that in Barcelona!
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The Rambla of the Thimbleriggers
Gary
This is not about tourists being robbed as much as it´s about tourists being silly. Legal or illegal!
23 April at 23:10 · Like · 1 person
Greg
huh? I dont get your point at all of tourist being silly ??? were you robbed ??
25 April at 15:05 · Like
Andrey
LOL , idiots! Ask these ass-holes whether they are paying taxes …
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Ximena
A mi me robaron por la noche de ayer en la plaza de la catedral!!!!!
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Puedes explicarnos qué te pasó?
Summer Fingersmith :’(
Ro
those lovely relaxing stone benches facing the cathedral on plaza de la catedral are always occupied by robbers, if you look they will not be savouring the view but instead busy planning how to snatch your bag which you think is safely under the seat but as they may be sitting behind you they can scoop with feet or hands and sneak away. ive warned so many people along there………. i
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The 10 Most Violent Thieves of La Rambla under Arrest
Oliver
4 have been released from custody? What a joke! Either send them to jail or deport tham back to their country!
Greg
I am glad to read this and hope that change is occurring in how the city views this blight on such a fantastic city to visit. I hate that I must share my assault experience every time someone mentions the city but I do it only to warn folks of the high risk and possibility there. Maybe this is the beginning of a real crack down ??
Saul
Isn’t the tourist season coming up so the annual show of force begins again?
Dave
Ive been on tour for a month, spain, poryugal, holland and belgium. Its incredible what a bad reputation Barcelona has now. Many people have told me they will never go back again.. a few people calling it a “shit hole”
Ro
just earlier we prevented a bag snatch along port vell…. the magrebi b…… cycled back past us making a gun sign with his hand…… nice. he was 5 mins later along beach with another accomplice and not one police car or person in sight as i was going to report them. makes me ill.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Ro, now on Twitter (@RiBCN / #RiBNalert), had to shorten it, but tone/content the same.
Andy
So the top 10 are all Morrocans. Suprise.
Danny
It’s a start I guess!
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Brian
If 50 people printed 10 each and posted them near/at hotels, metro stations & tourist attractions that would be 500 warnings in the city. If another 50 people did it a week later…etc. 1) tourists would be better warned & 2) maybe the puta Ajuntament/Govern would be embarrassed into changing the laws and acting against these bastards
Luke
thats the plan… was away for easter but back now.. out this weekend with my past¡ng kit… wallpaper paste with a little wood glue is best.
Luke
inbox me if you want to join me…
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TVE1: Video of Pickpockets on La Rambla
Christoffer
Just fence off the entire Ramblas with walls and then charge big bucks to get inside. In fact, why not just resurrect the old Roman walls and then keep the trash outside?
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
They do say the aerobus into town from the airport is safer to travel on than the train because each trip on the aerobus costs about five euro now… whereas you can stay on the train system all day for about a euro.
Luke
yep looks like a camera is the best defence.
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Luke
hi res. print, photocopy and paste up.
Richard
i’ll stick them all over Hackney – but someone will only nick them
Luke
ah how i miss east london.
Richard
that is cos you are not here…..its not as good as you remember
Luke
fried chicken and a stab in the eye
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Have you put up any yourself, Luke? Got any photos? Please send to email address at top of robbedinbarcelona.com
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Guest Post: Help The Police, Go Somewhere Else
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
Cesc Giralt, the photographer behind the photo of the guy running (top left of this page) has made a comment under this guest post on our blog over at http://www.robbedinbarcelona.com/2011/04/28/guest-post-help-the-police-go-somewhere-else/
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Luke
caught one last night on the metro pickpocketing a french tourist who was busy taking care of his young children. A quick kick to the balls and then held down by myself and a quick acting fellow metro user. emergency cord was pulled and after a struggle the little scrote was dragged away by security.
Gustavo
Kick to the balls. Harsh, but fair
Luke
never fight clean with these lads.
Leilah
oh my god luke! u r like a superhero!
Audrey
I wish there were more people like you, it’s the only justice you can get, nowadays…!
Luke
i’m sure that under BCN’s crazy delito laws he was let out shortly after.. so maybe i get to kick his again! ;)
Parvez
well played, sir!
Jon
Bravo!!
Renée
we need more people like you who are not afraid to get involved
Ro
love it!!!!!!!!!
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We’re close to 3000 “fans” now. A push from you could get us over. On the bottom-left of our page is a “Share” link, please consider clicking it to promote our group.
Anne
Done.
Joan
Done 2x times today:)
Parvez
can we start calling you “El Capitán”, ’cause whenever I see your suggestions, I think “yes sir!”. en serio: have already done so/will do so again.
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona Thank you Parvez, you’re very good. :)
José
done!
Samrai
I tell you what,I’ll go and wait 5 mins outside my gaff in the borne till I see some white bloused,squawking old lady recently seperated from her camera,then say to her “look on the bright side,you are now eligible to join a fantastic website!!”
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
So you admit it Samrai! YOU’RE a squawking old lady because you’re here!
Samrai
It wont stand up in court.
Renée
done
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Dave
In Alkmaar, north Holland. Havin a nice stroll, taking fotos until I spot 3 familiar looking types (u can guess more or less where from.. they wernt dutch..) uon a corner, eyeing my phone and getting into position ready to surround me. I stop and turn back and they start signaling to me, shouting stuff. Ha, living in BCN has trained me well. Can spot the c**ts a mile away!
Ro
was there in alkmaar at the terrace having a cuppa and relaxing when we noticed the same crap………..!
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(Video with happy end, tx “god”…)
Trilleros en La Ramba, Barcelona
Cachito
ay, ay, ay… si hubieran mas como esta latina, qué bien estaría el mundo! :)
I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona
There’s a girl with a bit of fire!
Dean
Brave! Mutig! Valiente! Valent!
Joan
Great!!!
José
we must not forget that it is the greed of this woman put her money and herself at risk against these criminals
José
Cachito, gracias por compartir el vídeo ;)
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Ro
my friend was mugged and pushed to ground early this morning 3.30ISH on parallel near poble sec metro… in a very well lit section of the footpath, 5 youths all male…BE WARNED………
Orla
OMG!!!
Luke
enough.
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