Before coming to Spain, people will warn you over and over to “watch your things” because petty crime and theft is common here, especially in areas with a lot of tourists.  We heard it over and over again, and yet, it’s easy to think “I’m on top of things and that won’t happen to me”.  When I walk, I keep my purse/ bag zipped and in front of me, with my hand on it.  I avoid texting in public or being distracted by my phone.  I hug my bag tight on the metro and I’m aware of people trying to get my attention.  My friend here does all of these things too.  It can’t happen to us, we said.  And then it did.  Like magic, the phone was on the table… But then it wasn’t.  

My friend and I were at my favorite cafe in Lavapies, booking a trip to Belgium.  Our computers were out, along with our phones and wallets to pay for the flight ticket.  My friend was using her iPhone while her Spanish Samsung was on the table.  A man came in with a piece of paper and some sort of note written on it.  He put the piece of paper on the table (over her phone, apparently) and incoherently grunted and asked for money. She told him to get the hell out and to leave, but he was persistent.  Eventually, he picked up his piece of paper and was immediately chased out by an employee.  And twenty minutes later, we realized the phone… Was gone.  HOW did this man take the phone, right before our eyes? We were both watching him, along with our computers and wallets, which we moved out of reach of him.  But that phone, that had been on the table and was under he paper, we did not notice.  And therefore, we did not notice that he took it for a good 20 minutes, when he was long gone.  We went to the police to report it and when asked for a description, it was amazing how little both of us could recall.  Someone that impacts your day in such a large way can leave such a small mark in your mind.  He was white…short hair…white shirt and tan jacket? Or tan hat? Tattoos on his neck.  The police took a report and there were a number of other people at the station, some crying, some chatting.  The police told us this happens all the time.  Phones, wallets, purses… And the paper on the table thing is an old trick.  Actually, after it happened, this woman sitting nearby at the cafe says “oh yeah, I have heard of that before.  I thought he might be doing something when he put the paper down”.  You b****…. Why didn’t you say anything?! Who sits back and watches?? And the cafe still asked my friend to pay for her coffee…they have since lost two customers.

I am going to tell you some common tricks that might leave you looking for your things, ways to protect yourself, and what to do if it happens to you.

1. Child Thieves- Be aware of children approaching you.  They will look cute and usually stop to ask you for something.  For example, they might ask you to “sponsor them” at school and will show you a form with signatures on it.  While you are distracted, the other child will take your phone/ wallet/ camera/ etc. off the table.

2.  Pushy Children- A group of children may surround you or push you and while you are distracted by them, one of them has their grimy little greaseball hands in your bag.  Alternatively, when you get pushed, you are focused on the shock/ pain of being pushed and do not realize that in a split second, someone grabbed your phone or wallet out of your pocket.  I have tried this with friends, KNOWING that they are going to take something from my pocket, and I still did not feel it.

3.  Something Spilled- Someone may “bump into you” and then accidentally spill something on you.  While you (or, more likely, someone else) is helping you clean your clothes, one of their accomplices is robbing you.

4. The Metro/ Hotel Lobby/ Busy Streets- It is so, so, so common to be robbed in these places.  It’s busy and crowded and loud and you have people surrounding you.  You can feel people in all directions so you don’t feel someone unzipping your bag and taking your things.

5.  Looking at Your Phone-  It’s easy and common to walk along the street staring at your phone, whether it be to text, use the maps, or look something up.  This is a good opportunity for someone to take things out of your bag, since you’re distracted.  Alternatively, this is a good time for thieves to go “apple picking”, meaning, they will literally snatch your phone out of your hand and run…much faster than you.

6.  Putting Paper on the Table-  This is what happened to my friend.  Keep in mind that we were INSIDE the cafe, a very nice cafe.  The man came in, put a piece of paper on the table (over the phone) and muttered things about wanting money.  When he picked up the paper, he also picked up the phone.

• These criminals rob people as a living.  Therefore, they know exactly who to target, when and how they should do it.  And they know they will get away with it.
• Many of them are foreigners are come from places like Romania, Africa, Cuba, Arabia, and South America.  Of course, anyone can rob you, but certain groups are raised doing this.
• You WILL NOT feel yourself being robbed.  It’s literally like magic right before your eyes, but if you’re vigilant, you can pick out scenarios when you are more of a target.
• Be vigilant.  Always.  Don’t get too comfortable on the street, or anywhere in public and don’t trust anyone.  The cutest kid or the kindest old lady might be taking all of your bank cards.  Be aware.

If it does happen to you:

• Go to the police and file a report (called a denuncia).  While there is little they can do, there is a small chance that they will recover your belongings.  On the other hand, it is important for crime statistics to be up-to-date and accurate.  It doesn’t take long to make the report, so go do it.
• They will take your information and information about the incident.
• Cancel your bank cards immediately (if it’s your wallet) or phone service (if it’s a phone).  You can also activate Find iPhone, which makes it easier to track your iPhone and make it close to impossible for someone else to use it.  It also allows you to remotely add a message in case the phone is found, or completely clear the phone, if needed.

If you see it happening to someone else:

• SAY SOMETHING.  I have a friend that was using her phone on the street.  Meanwhile, a man was unzipping her bag and going for her wallet.  A kind woman said “WATCH YOUR BAG” and she looked down and saw his hand.  He ran off and she is a lucky girl.

Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe:

• Never leave your bag or cell phone on a chair or table – keep it in front of you or on your lap.
• Choose the right type of bag or purse that shuts with a zipper or flaps to deter would be pickpockets from easy access to your wallet or phone.
• Consider taking out insurance for electronics.  If you pay a few euros a month, you may be able to get a replacement by presenting your denuncia to your insurance provider.
• Lock your bike or scooter with quality locks, as the cheaper coils are easily cut. Better yet, get two.
• Walk confidently and try to avoid calling attention to yourself.
• Keep a copy of your passport, all bank cards, your ID, health cards, and other important cards in your e-mail and at home.  Also keep a couple hundred Euro cash at home in the case that you are left with no wallet, you are NOT left with no money.  You will have some money available to you until you can have money sent or you figure out something else.

In my opinion, Madrid feels like a generally safe place.  I feel safer walking alone here than I do in certain places in the United States.  The people are friendly and welcoming, the city is vibrant, and it has a lot to offer.  This incident has made me more aware of the fact that we are not, in fact, invincible, but I won’t allow it to change my perception of the city.  The only thing I can do is be as smart as possible, because unfortunately, I cannot change the fact that I am a tourist (as much as I would like to…)

Hope this helps and safe travels!