Just like in any other big city, you must be careful with your belongings. Watch your wallet, mobile phone & bag, particularly in the old town, on the underground, and in crowded places. Thieves are very active in the tourist hot spots.

We do not recommend carrying a wallet or purse in the outside pocket of a bag or rucksack, and as a rule it is ill-advised to carry any valuables or large amounts of cash. It is especially dangerous to leave bags or other objects in cafes, restaurants, internet cafes or on the beach unsupervised. Every day, many tourists are robbed of their expensive cameras, mobile phones, and wallets.

Barcelona is fairly safe in terms violent crime. Be particularly careful with your valuables and when walking alone at night in the lower portions ("sea side") of the Raval and Barri Gotic districts.

The various type of police that you will find in Barcelona are:

Guardia Urbana - municipal police force of Barcelona. Responsible for traffic and parking tickets, patrolling the streets and minor criminal incidents. Dial 092 from a Spanish phone.

Mossos d'Esquadra - police force of autonomous region of Catalunya. Handles any kind of criminal incidents, such as robberies. Dial 088 from a Spanish phone.

Policía Nacional - national urban police force. Fewer in Catalunya as functions are handled by Mossos. Involved in higher level criminal and other matters. Dial 091 from a Spanish phone.

Guardia Civil - Spanish quasi-military police force. Performs national security, anti-drug and other functions. Also serves as police in rural areas and small towns. Dial 062 from a Spanish phone.