Pickpocketing in Barcelona’s most popular tourist areas has long been a sore point for residents and visitors alike. Now, a new incident highlights just how inventive thieves can be.
Security cameras in the Gothic Quarter caught a man using only his foot to steal a tourist’s bag as the victim sat at a terrace café in broad daylight. The footage shows the suspect edging closer before hooking the strap of the bag with his foot and dragging it slowly away. Once in reach, he calmly slid the bag into a larger sack he was carrying, concealing the theft from passers-by.
The incident took place in Plaça Sant Josep Oriol, where the thief, dressed like a tourist to blend in, then pretended to make a phone call — apparently coordinating with an accomplice — before leaving the scene.
Police and residents say such tactics are becoming increasingly common in Barcelona’s historic centre, where visitors are advised to keep their bags secured at all times. Some experts even suggest fastening handbags to a chair leg or one’s own body when sitting outdoors.
The case serves as another reminder of the challenges facing the city as it tries to balance its status as a global tourist destination with the ongoing issue of petty crime.
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