Just an FYI.
Although Barcelona has been known for years for pickpocketing, the US State Dept just issued a higher crime alert travel warning. When we visited years ago, our hotel warned us about pickpockets every time we left the building.
https://es.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-consulate-general-barcelona-spain-2/
That is a real shame. I am sorry to hear that Barcelona is experiencing these problems. But, I must say, I do think it is interesting that the US State Dept would be so quick to issue warnings of this nature for Barcelona (or any number of other European cities). I would be curious to know whether or not they issue such warnings for US cities in the face of the violent crime that occurs daily in those cities? If they do not, they most certainly should, in my opinion.
These type advisories are released all the time. If you’ve ever registered for State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for a particular place, you may receive periodic notifications; especially before and during your trip. We register (with the State Dept) when we plan on going to specific places where there might be trouble or natural disasters. The SD website is a nice place to check from time to time. I just received one for Chile and haven’t been there in years. Nothing to do with the President.
Other countries issue warnings about travel to the USA.
Many USA citizens of privilege must of been victims in Barcelona. That is the only reason they issued the warning.
It is all over the news about violence (if it bleeds it leads the headlines here) that happens in America. So there really is no need for USA government to warn about it.
At this point, I feel safer in Europe than I do in the US, sadly. But, we've had these warnings for every Europe city that we've been to, and if you ever to the Eiffel Tower, their sound system literally says "beware of pickpockets in the tower" every 20 seconds. Just be aware of what you have on you and keeping them in secure locations.
