How To Avoid Getting Pickpocketed in Spain

It works in other countries too.

Pickpocketing isn’t native to Spain. It can happen anywhere — no matter how developed or law-abiding you think your corner of the world is.

Never try to predict whether someone has the “heart” to target you. Whether you are five and healthy or fifty-five with an obvious disability, you are a potential target.

The first time I got pickpocketed, I was about seven years old.

I was still living in Jamaica. We lived in the countryside, but on the weekends, we would often drive into the city of Montego Bay and go to the airport. We liked to watch people running off to catch their flights, but I especially liked the waving galleries so I could see the planes.

This likely contributed to my wanderlust.

Someone had gifted me with one of those animal-shaped backpacks that kids still love today. I had some change inside the pocket and felt the wonderful sense of independence that it gives you as a child. But when we returned to the car, we noticed the bag was open, and the change was gone.

Not only did someone steal from a child, but they did it with my parents, probably three or so feet away. They also acted quickly because I was not known for standing still for long.

I learned two important things:

1. Anyone is fair game for thieves.

2. Always keep your valuables where you can see them.

It was the first and last time anyone successfully picked my pockets. I’ve been wary of thieves ever since.

Here’s how you can avoid stealthy thieves while traveling.

The first thing you need to do is determine your level of caution. Yes. Pickpockets could be anywhere, but every location carries different risks.