Barcelona robbery rate nearly three times Spain’s national average

The latest data published on Monday, November 3, by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has revealed that the probability of being robbed in Barcelona is nearly three times higher than the national average. In fact, the statistics revealed that you are more likely to be robbed in Barcelona than in any other Spanish city.

Barcelona outpaces European peers in thefts

According to the data, the probability of suffering a robbery is 2.9 times higher than Spain’s average, and this ratio is higher than most places in the European Union, bested only by Bucharest, where the probability of being robbed is exactly 3 times higher than the Romanian average.

In the year 2022, Spain had the highest rate of robbery incidents in the whole of the European Union, with 131.8 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. It far outpaced Belgium, with 103.3 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, and France, with 99.8 thefts.

Despite these perturbing figures, Barcelona was – and is – a star of tourism and overnight stays in Spain, ranking as the fourth city in Europe where tourists spent the most nights in 2023: more than 27 million overnight stays were recorded that year. 

Robberies in Barcelona: an unfortunate part of everyday life in Catalonia

Crime, and specifically theft, has become a part of everyday life in the Catalan capital. Many locals joke that you have not lived in Barcelona until you have been robbed. 

Indeed, for anyone who has spent time in Barcelona, the statistics are hardly surprising (and certainly not news-worthy). It is not uncommon to have your mobile phone plucked from your hand by an anonymous crook on a scooter, or finding your backpack missing after having it out of your sight for just a moment. Many Barcelona residents even report a disturbing new method of robbery, wherein pickpockets use sharp knives, typically X-Acto knives, to cut open bags and backpacks in order to steal their contents without the victim noticing.

How to avoid being robbed in Barcelona

While those who live in the Catalan capital may be well-adjusted and vigilant when it comes to pickpockets, those who wish to visit may want to keep these things in mind:

• Never leave personal items unattended, even for a second.
• When leaving something in a car, hide it underneath a seat, coat, blanket, or otherwise hide it from sight.
• When eating at a restaurant, place your bag, purse, or backpack near your feet, looped around a chair leg, or within arm’s reach on a chair. Preferably, do not leave it hanging from the back of your own chair.
• Keep a personal lock in your bag in case there might be a locker available for your personal items.
• When on the metro or bus, try to keep your back against a wall, such that thieves cannot sneak up behind you.
• If possible, walk with your bag, purse, or backpack in front of you.
• If possible, leave sensitive documents or expensive items in your hotel or accommodation.
• If using your phone, grip it tightly and with both hands if possible. Put it away if a stranger approaches.
• Be aware of new tricks and methods of stealing (thieves can get quite creative with their techniques). The Guardia Civil will often alert to new methods and important information.

Barcelona neighbourhoods to avoid at night

It may also be a smart idea to avoid certain areas and neighbourhoods of Barcelona, particularly at night. These are the areas where more thefts are likely to happen in the city and are best avoided:

• El Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter): While beautiful and iconic to the city, its narrow streets could make it feel mazelike at night, and its large crowds could put you at risk for theft.
• El Raval: Known as Barcelona’s ‘most dangerous’ neighbourhood, it is best avoided at night.
• El Born and Passeig del Born: With a lively nightlife scene and characteristic bars, it’s tempting to head to the Born neighbourhood at night. However, one should remain vigilant in this neighbourhood, as there are many people hanging around looking for opportunities to rob tourists.
• La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya: Tightly packed, especially in peak season, it’s important to keep your wits about you when walking around these tourism hotspots.

In general, it’s best to stay in brightly lit areas, with wide streets that are busy, but not packed with people. When walking at night, avoid places with few people or suspicious-looking activity.

Read more news from Barcelona here.