Rolex Stolen off my wrist in Barcelona
Discussion
Chaps
I thought I would post a general warning on here about Barcelona and the skilful theft of my Rolex Submariner last week.
My colleague and I were walking from the Casino to Hotel Arts. At that time of night there were the usual collection of peddlers, hookers and beggars hanging around. On the bridge just by Bestial there were three street performers jumping about, back flipping and whooping.
Without warning a small one landed on me, steadying his fall on my wrist. The watch was gone and so was he, my colleague didn’t even notice.
I doubled back and waited for them to resume position. I challenged them but they split up and ran off down the beach. Unfortunately no Police around. I probably shouldn’t have done that… let’s say I was a little cross.
I think of myself as street aware, but this level of artful dodger’ness was quite impressive… how did they undo the double locking clasp? I did not feel a thing.
So if you are out and about in that area, be super aware.
I am looking for a replacement, so if any pistonheads want to sell their 16610, PM me.
Map below
I thought I would post a general warning on here about Barcelona and the skilful theft of my Rolex Submariner last week.
My colleague and I were walking from the Casino to Hotel Arts. At that time of night there were the usual collection of peddlers, hookers and beggars hanging around. On the bridge just by Bestial there were three street performers jumping about, back flipping and whooping.
Without warning a small one landed on me, steadying his fall on my wrist. The watch was gone and so was he, my colleague didn’t even notice.
I doubled back and waited for them to resume position. I challenged them but they split up and ran off down the beach. Unfortunately no Police around. I probably shouldn’t have done that… let’s say I was a little cross.
I think of myself as street aware, but this level of artful dodger’ness was quite impressive… how did they undo the double locking clasp? I did not feel a thing.
So if you are out and about in that area, be super aware.
I am looking for a replacement, so if any pistonheads want to sell their 16610, PM me.
Map below
Edited by AndrewCrown on Monday 10th October 18:36
A chap tried to pickpocket my mate on the train that runs from the airport to Barcelona a few years ago. He was standing near the carriage door and I saw a gang of four or five blokes huddle round him as distraction just prior to getting off the train. I always holiday in European cities and this is the only time something like this has happened. I am always cautious now on transport from the airport as thieves know that tourists will most likely have a large amount of cash on them at when they first arrive.
Barca has massive issues with pickpocketing, I got the impression it's quite often 'normal' kids and teenagers doing it as rebellious behaviour as well as seasoned pros who clearly make a living from it.
Every time I've been, there's always been at least one incident where someone has either attempted to steal from either me or someone I was with; fingers shoved into pockets in a crowded nightclub, attempts to take bags from cafe tables, pillion rider on a moped trying to reach in through car window to grab stuff at traffic lights etc etc.
It seems there's a lot of perception amongst locals that tourism has pushed them out of their own city, I'm not sure if locals get the same treatment or if the petty crime is a result of some antipathy towards visitors. Certainly I remember in the areas to the left of the ramblas (travelling away from the sea) being quite run down and there being huge banners hanging between buildings with 'stop the tourist muggings!' and stuff written on them, which made one feel incredibly uneasy!
Every time I've been, there's always been at least one incident where someone has either attempted to steal from either me or someone I was with; fingers shoved into pockets in a crowded nightclub, attempts to take bags from cafe tables, pillion rider on a moped trying to reach in through car window to grab stuff at traffic lights etc etc.
It seems there's a lot of perception amongst locals that tourism has pushed them out of their own city, I'm not sure if locals get the same treatment or if the petty crime is a result of some antipathy towards visitors. Certainly I remember in the areas to the left of the ramblas (travelling away from the sea) being quite run down and there being huge banners hanging between buildings with 'stop the tourist muggings!' and stuff written on them, which made one feel incredibly uneasy!
t thing to happen, it takes skill to achieve it without the wearer realising.Thanks for all your replies guys...
This afternoon I emailed every used watch dealer I could find with a website in Barcelona...
I had an amazing response ...promises to circulate the serial number...apologies that visitors had to put up with this..
It's a bit hope on hope, but one never knows.
This afternoon I emailed every used watch dealer I could find with a website in Barcelona...
I had an amazing response ...promises to circulate the serial number...apologies that visitors had to put up with this..
It's a bit hope on hope, but one never knows.
greygoose said:
Barcelona has had a pickpocket issue for years, amazed you didn't notice at the time it happened though, was it loose on your wrist?
Misdirection. Honestly, we'd all like to think we're too Savvy for it to happen to us. But I had a guy demo it to me a few years ago (he was reformed!). Said he could take my wallet without me noticing. Over the course of a minute, he took the contents of one pocket and put them in the other, and removed my watch and put it back on the other wrist. I was focused on the wallet (which he left), and didn't notice a thing.
warren182 said:
greygoose said:
Barcelona has had a pickpocket issue for years, amazed you didn't notice at the time it happened though, was it loose on your wrist?
Misdirection. Honestly, we'd all like to think we're too Savvy for it to happen to us. But I had a guy demo it to me a few years ago (he was reformed!). Said he could take my wallet without me noticing. Over the course of a minute, he took the contents of one pocket and put them in the other, and removed my watch and put it back on the other wrist. I was focused on the wallet (which he left), and didn't notice a thing.
It's utterly astonishing how good some people are at this kind of thing. I went through a phase of watching demos by this guy. Would love it as a party trick, but ethically getting the practice might be tough!
https://youtu.be/GZGY0wPAnus
https://youtu.be/GZGY0wPAnus
I went to a works event in London earlier this year and one of the entertainers was "Keith the Thief", I put my phone and wallet in my front jeans pocket just in case. Up comes Keith, immediately tells me that it was good that I had my phone in my front pocket as that was much safer, he then held it up in front of me.......I did not feel a thing and I was expecting it. I always considered myself mindful of these things when in unfamiliar cities but it certainly makes you think twice.
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