While walking along Carrer de l’Hospital near La Rambla in Barcelona, a traveler and his wife were suddenly confronted by a group of three young men who screamed in his face and attempted to rob him in broad daylight. In the chaos, one of the men struck him in the chest while he clung tightly to his shopping bags. Though the situation appeared to end without major loss—his wallet, phone, and other visible belongings were untouched—he later discovered that his gold necklace had been stolen during the assault, likely torn off when he instinctively leaned forward during the struggle.
The reviewer emphasizes that such thieves operate with expertise, often distracting victims and striking with such speed and precision that the theft goes unnoticed until much later. He urges fellow travelers to immediately check for all valuables if touched or confronted, and to avoid carrying multiple bags or wearing visible jewelry, especially in crowded or vulnerable areas.
Reflecting on the experience, the reviewer strongly advises against staying in the El Raval neighborhood, citing a lack of community involvement in addressing petty crime and an apparent unwillingness by local police to intervene effectively. He expresses frustration that despite Barcelona’s reputation for pickpocketing, little is done to tackle the issue directly, suggesting that simple undercover operations could significantly reduce such incidents.
