Is pickpocketing an issue in Madrid?


Is pickpocketing an issue in Madrid? The criminals in this city are not looking to hurt anyone, but they are looking to take advantage of oblivious tourists. The sad truth is that nonviolent crime, especially pick-pocketing, is pretty common. However, if you are informed, aware and know what to look for, you should be in the clear.


How do you avoid pickpockets in Europe?

16 Tips to Outsmart Pickpockets and Thieves in Europe
  1. Know where the biggest threats lie. ...
  2. Research the most common pickpocketing scams. ...
  3. Don't have anything on you that's worth stealing. ...
  4. Put your passport and credit cards in an RFID wallet. ...
  5. Get an anti-theft bag. ...
  6. Be extra careful around popular tourist attractions.


Is pickpocketing big in Madrid?

lots of people are pickpocketed daily in Madrid metro system, and in any large metro system in the world for that matter. I don't think it's any different in London, NYC or Paris. They are professional pickpocketers and you will not realise until some time after you've been pickpocketed.


Are pickpockets bad in Madrid?

Don't panic, no one will assault you in an attempt to relieve you from your belongings, but there is a very high chance you can be pickpocketed in a very subtle way, in the middle of the day, surrounded by your friends, family and in a company of your local private guide.


Which is safer Madrid or Barcelona?

Yes, Barcelona and Madrid is safe for tourism, but tourists can be easy prey for pickpockets. There is little violent crime and few unsafe areas but compared to barcelona, Madrid is safe destination but it is also huge city! Both are very beautiful cities in Spain.


What is the most common crime in Spain?

  • Spain has one of the lowest crime rates of Europe, around one third less than also Germany.
  • There is a concentration of crime at parts of the Costa del Sol and in Barcelona. Most crimes in Spain are drug related and theft and burglary in mostly touristic areas.
  • The homicide rate is very low in Spain.


Who do pickpockets target?

Who do pickpockets target? Pickpockets look for distracted and unaware travelers. “That's not to say that anyone can be prey, but if you're engrossed in your phone, you're less attentive to what's going on around you,” said Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author.