At the end of May 2015 my travel partner and I were victims of a robbery Barcelona, We had stopped for gas and a rest stop and unbeknownst to us someone punctured our left rear tire. 10 minutes later our tire blew. We were shocked as our car was new. We stopped and started to change the tire leaving our car doors open. A guy drove up wearing a green vest and distracted us. Meanwhile his buddy stole our passports, cell phones and my purse with all of my identity cards. We had been traveling in Spain for four months with no difficulty so we were rather remiss. We backed our car to gas station close by and called the police of a small town who recorded the incident in pen and paper. We eventually drove to Barcelona and two days later (Memorial Day Weekend) went to the Consulate to obtain new passports. To our disgust, we discovered that we were one of many Americans suffering this plight. Barcelona is notorious for thefts and their police are of no help.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
I also heard that Barcelona was number one. Even before Rome.
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1088 posts
A woman I work with had the exact same thing happen to her and her father in Barcelona a few years ago. We were just talking about it today. They too were told at the consulate that it's a common experience. The government of Canada has even posted a warning on their travel page: Security in Spain.
Sorry it happened to you. I didn't know about this until today, and it does not encourage me to move Barcelona up higher on my wish list
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
Jan,
So sorry this happened to you...
Thanks for posting this information.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
So sorry to heAr of your problem in Barcelona. You are very kind to warn others of the crime issues u had. I hope it does not dissuade you of future travel.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
I am sorry to hear of all your losses.
I am curious, with 10 months on the ground in Europe and 4 in Spain, how did you avoid Schengen problems?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
This is a well known scam, but this is the first time I've seen a post here from someone affected by it. I've also heard of this happening in Italy and other countries. Your unfortunate experience is a good reminder for those renting cars to be vigilant.
I have the same question as Nigel - how did you deal with the Schengen issue?
Posted by
troy, ny
660 posts
I am curious as to why a robbery that occurred in Spain is being reported 6 months later....
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I am sorry that this happened and it serves as a good warning. It also serves to show good reason why so many of us here recommend people use a secure system to carry their money, cards and passport. That can be a waist money belt, neck pouch, belt loop wallet or other means. Had those items been securely on your person and not stashed in a purse, the scam would have been much less successful.