In general, one can say that Barcelona is no more dangerous than any other major European city. However, you should follow a few rules of conduct so that you won't be the victim of a robbery or theft.

Code of behaviour

Criminals who are on the prowl usually operate in small groups: one distracts the victim, the other steals your wallet or camera and the third will disappear with the loot.

Do not let yourself get diverted and look after your valuables. A money bag in the back pocket is gross negligence, an easy game for the pickpockets.
A chest bag offers great protection for your valuables. The camera belongs in the front and is not to be casually hanged over your shoulder. Just these will alert handbag thieves. Remember that thieves do not necessarily see that you have removed all valuables from a pocket. The loss of a precious bag even without valuables is annoying.

Also popular was the fad where someone wants to help you with a supposed stain on your trousers. Someone discovered a stain e.g. on your trousers and will distract you by helping to get it removed. Possibly it was even the guy who put it there.

You will get help in Barcelona if you desire it. Beware, however, of unasked and too intrusive readiness to help. This is also when you should sit in the car and a passer-by will draw your attention to an alleged damage to the car. Stay calmly seated behind the wheel with the door locked, smile and drive on quickly, you can see for yourself what always happens later.

The cheaters and thieves are inventive as far as their malevolent tricks are concerned. For example, the mesh, the fraudster trick this year is already old hat a year later.

Make sure you will stay out of any kind of sly tricks (such as the thumbing a lift) on the road. One it is illegal and on the other hand the fraudsters are after your money. You will not win!

Leave your documents in the hotel safe, make sure you have made copies of them and take the copies with you. Take only the cash which you really need. Leave a small "rainy day fund" cash amount for all cases in the hotel safe.

If a pickpocket stole something from you, you scream at him and demand the stolen goods back. This can demand quite an effort, but the louder you are, the sooner he or she drops the stolen goods onto the road.

In particular, avoid dark and deserted areas at night. Better to get a taxi back if you have some doubts. This is very cheap compared to Central European rates. Despite all warnings, many areas, which a few years ago were no-go areas for tourists are today quite safe.

In case of theft, robbery or loss

Very important: Call after the loss of your EC or credit cards immediately with the emergency number of your card company and let them block all cards. The companies quickly obtain new credit cards even directly to your hotel. We have gathered on Barcelona.de all emergency numbers and emergency addresses in one page.

Similarly, you should contact the police, even if they are in the few cases able to procure your things back. But high crime statistics have moved some city administration to implement more security. Addresses of police departments, where English-speaking police officers are on duty can also be found under the emergency number and emergency addresses.

Tip: Look in the contract conditions of your credit card company. Possibly they can reimburse you part of fraudulent loss. But for this, it is essential to report the loss.If after a robbery you do not have any cash, you can withdraw some from Western Union which someone sends you from home

Enter you complaint/loss online

You also have the opportunity to make your complaint via the Internet. There are entry forms in different languages, including English, German, which are available. Please note that within 72 hours of your complaint you have to sign it personally at the local police station. The form replace a visit to the police station.
Here you can find the online complaint form:
https://www10.gencat.net/jusinte_di/AppJava/jsp/form/idioma.jsp

Loss of papers

The consulates will provide you with compensation documents for your journey home, in case of the loss of you identity papers.

Within the Schengen area it is often sufficient to have a certificate from the police about the loss of papers. Also inform your airline about the loss.
Vehicle documents can not be issued by the consulates. In this case it is sufficient to have the certificate from the police about the loss.

Lost property

Lost property will be collected by the police departments and the Office Fund. Identity documents are forwarded to the respective consulates. From there the respective consulates will send them to the issuing authority in Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland or other countries.

You can get information from the pre-fund office in advance.

Address of the Lost property offices of Barcelona:
Ayuntamiento de Barcelona
Oficina de Troballes
Pl Carles Pi i Sunyer, 8-10
Tel: + 34 934 132 026
Fax: + 34 934 132 031

Lost and found at the airport:
Servicio de Objetos Perdidos
Ebene 0 des Terminals T1
Tel.: +34 932 596 440 

Lost property in taxis

Should you have lost or forgotten something in a taxi, the taxi association IMT offers a telephone service.
Via the following number +34 602 101 564 you can reach the taxi lost property service.