Generally Madrid is a very safe city. Returning to your hotel in the middle of the night walking or in taxi will not get you into trouble. You are welcome to wonder the city at any time of day or night with no risk of unpleasant encounters. This being said, you should always keep a very close eye on your wallet, phone, camera and any other valuable.
Don’t panic, no one will assault you in an attempt to relieve you from your belongings, but there is a very high chance you can be pickpocketed in a very subtle way, in the middle of the day, surrounded by your friends, family and in a company of your local private guide.
What are the chances?
We hear stories about people losing their phones, documents, wallets and bags all the time. Enrique had tourists who got pickpocket on the tour, once he even confronted the thief and obligated to return the stolen things. I myself became a victim of pickpocketing 8 times. Eight! I may be a bit absent minded, but 8 times… in 10 years of living in Madrid. To put this into perspective, I lived for 15 years in Southern part of Brooklyn, NY and I had my wallet mailed to me by someone who found it in the subway, never been pickpocketed.
What to do to keep things safe?
So the chances are high and we want you to take precaucion. Watch out for the tactics commonly used by local pickpockets. Here are some of them:
Terrace. You are enjoying Madrid’s weather and sun, having a coffee at one of the numerous terraces, when suddenly a lost tourist comes over, putting a map on your table and asking for the directions. Beware, you are being robbed! The thief has just covered your phone or wallet or a bill with his map, distracting you with the conversation, he is removing your belongings from the table. Your best bet is to quickly put your hand on top of the map or the paper and start talking loudly, calling a waiter.
TIPS:
Don’t leave your phone or any other valuable belonging on the table in a bar or cafe.
Don’t leave your bag in an empty chair next to you.
Don’t try to pick a fight with the thief if caught, call the waiter or police
Walk. You are walking through the streets of Madrid, enjoying the views. A couple of young ladies approach you, asking to support a cause by leaving your signature on a petition. Beware, you are about to be robbed! Just keep moving, don't stop or start a conversation
Another scenario: in a crowded place you are surrounded by three people who act as strangers, but two of them are blocking the side view and the third one is taking your belonging from your backpack, purse or back pocket. Some of them have a jacket hanging around their arm to hide the action, if they do, it is a giveaway. Just try to let them pass and agree with your companions to watch out for each other.
Rosemary Scam: don´t accept any rosemary leaves from any gypsy lady. She is not a fortune teller, she or her friend nearby are pickpockets.
Where to be on high alert
Metro/Bus inside the train cars, where people are very close to each other
Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor
The square in front of Palacio Real
Calle Preciados and other shopping streets
Crowded intersections at Plaza España
Jardines Sabatini
Who to Watch Out For
In Madrid pickpockets are mostly gypsies of Romanian origin. More professional and subtle ones tend to dress in a common European style. They look European, but with darker skin and dark hair.
Important Don’ts
If you have been robbed and you know who did this, don’t look for vengeance or try pressure the person to return your belongings. It is not worth it and can be dangerous. Look for police, they tend to be nearby in the centric parts of Madrid. Most likely you will not recover your belongings, so be careful.
Don’t leave your bag on an empty chair next to you at a bar.
Don’t leave your phone, bills, wallet, camera on a table at a bar or terrace.
Don’t put anything in your back pockets.
Important Does
Check your purse and backpack frequently to make sure it is closed. If you can, wear it in front, rather then on a side or on the back or keep your hand on the zipper (yes, opt for a bag with a zipper, rather then an open tote).
Leave your original passport at hotel, just in case you get distracted. You can make a copy with your phone to carry with you.
Be alert when in crowded places, including stores, street intersections, shopping streets.
And finally do enjoy Madrid, and remember that the pickpocket reality is one of authentic sides of the city, which has started as a city of migrants, hustlers, poets and bandoleros.
Additional Resources On the Topic
TripAdvisor: Don´t Panic About Pickpockets in MadridPhoto Credits: Annie´s Simple Life
Author: Natalia
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