If the escalator stops while you’re on it, the guy now coming up behind you is about to try to open your bag/pick your pocket. Happened to me recently, caught him red-handed unzipping because… spidey senses? He’s lucky I didn’t kick him back down the steps.
Also, they are everywhere where there are tourists. Repeat after me: “Bag.On.Front… Bag.On.Front… Bag.On.Front… Bag.On…” you get the idea.
In Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville they are everywhere. Do not leave your purse or belongings out of your sight or too far away. As OP suggested, keep your bag or purse in front of you while crossing streets or walking in crowded areas.
I lived in Madrid for 10 years, and it is sad to see people crying on the street when someone stole all they have.
Special of the day: if someone puts a newspaper, an umbrella, or a box in front of you (very close), they are trying to pickpocket you. Very common in the metro.
@Cary
As someone who got her $7000 camera picked in Granada, I’d like to stick that city on your list too 
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Juno said:
@Cary
As someone who got her $7000 camera picked in Granada, I’d like to stick that city on your list too
That sucks royally. As someone going there in the Fall and bringing camera gear, this is worrisome. How did it happen, if I may ask? What would you have done differently? I appreciate any advice you can offer.
@JenWilliams
It happens if you don’t watch your stuff.
Juno said:
@Cary
As someone who got her $7000 camera picked in Granada, I’d like to stick that city on your list too
I’m extra sorry to hear this because I’ve spent three or four winters in Granada and never thought it sketchy compared to other places.
@Cary
I once nearly got pickpocketed in Barcelona when someone “accidentally” spilled coffee on me. I panicked about the stain but caught their hand reaching for my bag. Lesson learned: never trust a clumsy stranger with good aim!
Special of the day: if someone puts a newspaper, an umbrella, or a box in front of you (very close), they are trying to pickpocket you.
Same if you leave something like a phone on a table. The intent is to block the view of their hand and the item they are trying to steal. The item is gone, and they are walking away before you realize what happened.
Same if you leave something like a phone on a table.
Anyone who is braindead enough to do that outdoors or where people are walking by deserves it to be stolen.
@Cary
Great advice. I lived in Barcelona for a bit, and pickpockets are pros. Always keep your stuff close, especially in busy spots or on the metro. Better safe than sorry.
Lyle said:
@Cary
Great advice. I lived in Barcelona for a bit, and pickpockets are pros. Always keep your stuff close, especially in busy spots or on the metro. Better safe than sorry.
When we were standing in Milan at the train station, my girlfriend put my bag next to her and was checking something on her phone, so it was out of sight. When I called her out on that, she had a hard time understanding that ‘it’s right next to me’ is not preventing anything.
@Cary
Damn, for some reason I didn’t realize it was prevalent in Seville too. Sad. I know it’s terrible in Barcelona, and I witnessed an attempt in Malaga.
@Cary
Seville is fine compared to Barcelona.
Brown said:
@Cary
Seville is fine compared to Barcelona.
Spent time in both this month; felt safe in Seville.
@Cary
I once heard a police officer say that this plaza in Madrid: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XdEf1Jpcb3cxRsVA
It has the highest amount of pickpocket cases in all of Spain.
Now they have fewer pedestrian crossings (where they usually get you within the crowd waiting) in that plaza but still probably keep your belongings in front of you.
I can confirm that a friend of mine walking with the two of us next to her lost her wallet that was in her purse. Like a ghost… They are pretty good.
I’ve seen videos of the locals that will call out ‘pickpocket’ really loud to warn others. Sometimes they will follow someone yelling it about them. Lol.
Peyton said:
I’ve seen videos of the locals that will call out ‘pickpocket’ really loud to warn others. Sometimes they will follow someone yelling it about them. Lol.
That’s also a tactic that some pickpockets use so people pat where their wallets are, thus locating the wallets for said pickpockets.
Joss said:
@Uma
I spent many months there over the past 20 years, and I love it. It has always been spicy/sketchy.
I’m aware, and I often felt a bit unsafe in the area around plaza Real after dark. Still, managed to visit 5 times over 5-6 years with no issues.
Peyton said:
@Zen
Say what?!?! What a grift!! I had no idea.
It’s the same thing as the signs in the Paris Metro that say ‘watch out for pickpockets’. Everyone taps their pockets, thereby giving the thieves the exact location…
@Broderick
Somewhere is a 90s dad, winning the day with his cargo pants complete with 47 zippered pockets, some zippered inside of other zippered pockets.