Expats in Barcelona 'should be wary of pickpockets'
25/09/09 17:51
Expatriate workers living in Spain may take more care over their belongings following the release of a new study naming Barcelona as worst for street thefts.
Conducted by travel advice site TripAdvisor.com, the poll reviewed comments made by site users and editors to compile a list of locations where foreign visitors are most at risk of pickpocketing.
Barcelona took first place with one comment comparing theft in the city to a generally accepted game such as football. Rome and Prague took second and third place respectively.
Commenting on the results, Amelie Hurst, a spokesperson for the firm, said: "Pickpocketing is a true art and whilst thieves can strike anywhere, home or abroad, tourist hot-spots often yield far richer-pickings.
"The combination of an awe-struck traveller and a bag bulging with local currency, not to mention passports, cameras and credit cards, is an appealing prospect for any light-fingered thief."
According to British Foreign Office travel advice, one scam travellers should be aware of is bogus police officers who ask to see a person's wallet or bag before stealing it.
The office reminds visitors they have a right to ask to see identification when stopped.
Moving abroad? Get a free quote for your international medical insurance online.
Other archived news itemsNeed help?
Please call one of our advisors on +44 20 3195 7481. Email us at info@exphealth.com or use our Call back feature
Third Floor, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 3195 7481 Fax: +44 (0)870 428 5141 Email: info@exphealth.com
