Thanks both, it means a lot and I hope you guys are doing good. Ok yeah. I’ll put them below if you want to, the messages are very kind on their own so thank you. So sweet. www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/petescameragear?ZR497byR www.gofundme.com/f/pounds4pete?member=22196283&+share-sheet&
I live in Barcelona and been robbed my Phone twice. The first time I got robbed I was sitting in a Sant Antoni restaurant having dinner with my girlfriend, an ( arabic looking ) guy approched us pretending to be deaf and left a piece of paper on top of the table, the paper read that he was deaf , he couldn't speak and if we could give him some pocket money. We didnt give him any, he appeared to be angry took his paper and left. Shortly after we realized that he didnt just only taken his piece of paper, but my Phone as well. I just mentioned he was arabic because the city is suffering with a phaenomenom called "MENA", which are underage kids usually coming from Morocco or North African countries Who are not accompanied by adults. This leaves them in a situation where the Goverment is taking care of them, giving them shelter and a healthcare pension. Also, they are unenployable, this turns them to be into pickpockets. The law doesnt affect them as an adult, if they commit a theft and are caught, they are out of the station by the afternoon, because they are underage. Also, the organize crime knows about this, and sometimes they take this kids as part of their gangs to commit this kind of tiny crimes si the adults in the organization dont have to, since them, would be jailed . It is a sad reality, but both of the times I got robbed, they were both underage Arabic looking kids. I also avoided a third theft once going up the Espanya metro station automatic stairs. Realized a Guy had a hand into my pocket, I quickly turn to him and Kick him in the chest, he fell down the stairs and started running. I warned the security of the metro they had a pickpocket loose, he told me there was very little he could do. Always keep your valuables in your backpack facing front ( on top of your belly ) when traveling here in the metro
I feel your pain, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Thanks for posting this, I will guard my camera gear with extreme caution. In Milan, I had some bloke tap my shoulder, I told him **** off. I was unsure of his intentions, this is quite sad as I'm normally very friendly and welcoming to everyone but unfortunately in places like Paris, Barcelona and Rome, you have to be very careful.
The worst part of scams like that is the way they play off social trust. Who wants to live in a world where the first thought that comes to mind when a stranger tries to help you is - "How is this person trying to take advantage of me?" Every theft like that makes the world just a little bit worse. Still, you're out of some camera gear and I feel for you on that, it hurts and there might be a moment when you make the mistake of blaming yourself. I'd think of the people doing the stealing thought; at some point they'll look in the mirror and realize that the person they're looking at hurts people just to get by. Who'd want to be that guy?
Great for sharing! People need to know, you can't trust anyone out here when it comes to things like that. It can be hard when they're working together as they're so quick, I always warn all of my clients before coming here.
that sucks. All travelers should keep it in their minds to not engage or communicate with unsolicited persons. Understand that you are a potential prey, so keep your distance from strangers who offer you anything when you did not ask for it, never do anything anyone asks you to do, do not read or sign any papers, accept anything, and hold on to everything you got. As long as you are not injured or in pain, forget about it if you got some dirt on you, mustard or ketchup spills. If someone drops coins, papers, or spills their water, let them be, don't try to be a hero to help someone out for stupid non-emergencies like that
Thanks God it wasn't violence involved against you or your girlfriend. The material stuff can be replaced later on. Still, it's infuriating to know that they got away with it.
Thanks for sharing this Pete. So sorry again that this happened to you. One of my friends dad had happen to them over here in the USA. But with hot sauce.
Sorry hear that Pete, those buggers are clever they can trick the best of us, main thing is you're both ok and the important stuff was safe (passport wallet etc) I had my rucksack stolen in Ibiza luckily they took what they wanted but left our passports in the dumped bag, massive headache sorting phone and keys out etc tho! Take care and thanks for letting everyone know about this scam 👍
Just seen your video and so sorry for you, but thank you for sharing the video as I am travelling to Barcelona soon to do some street Photography, I will take your advice, Again gutted for you.
How was it Kevin? My flight goes in 2 days I am disgusted by Barcelonas vibe. Seems like they are so careless about their own individual life and collective wellbeing, who are all waiting for end of the world. Fuckin hell mate.
It's really shameful that most European nations simply do nothing about such scams. I mean if the police wanted to crack down on these people, they can easily do it.
i'm sorry to hear that this happened to you, but i am also glad to learn about this since this is somehting that i didn't know about. i am moving to barcelona in 2 months and now i know something else i should be looking out for. once again, i am so sorry that this happened to you, as this is every photographers worst nightmare.
Always use Aerobus than the metro to go into the city. Sorry to hear - I‘ve been three times there last year with very expensive gear and luckily nothing happened.
Sadly, the most dangerous route you could have taken, I am really sorry. Better of with the blue aerobus. I am really sorry this has happened.You did nothing wrong here. The metro line from the airport is new and is not connected to many places, so it's deserted. In addition, the areas it goes through are not the best. This is an extreme type of robbery.In Barcelona, and if you would have been in a more crowded area, it may have not happened. Locals are well aware of it. You seem like a really nice person, and I hope one day you visit Barcelona again. Stay safe.
@Pete Jobson when you do .Please if you can to let me know. I would be happy to get you and your partner for a coffee , point out truly unique and beautiful places to take photos or make films from. For example , on one side of Sagrada Famaila, lights up spectacularly when the sun is rising, with lights and shades going in many directions against the building, A time lasp video of this sun raise against the Sagrada familia would truly unique. I am no photo grapher however I know I good shot when I see one. Another would be from the top of camp nou as dusk is falling, you get a very unique perceptive even though there is many from up there looking around inside and around the camp nou.
I was considering going to Ecuador with about 10k EUR camera gear, not alone, but part of a group, but still not decided. There is actually no insurance covering camera gear for citizens of EU :-( Only UK and USA based on my research.
Bummer. But I live in Portland Oregon. In last 5yrs, I’ve had numerous bikes stolen, my car windows broken with gear taken. Been scared for my safety in broad daylight.
I’ve travelled extensively around the world and the only place I’ve ever been a victim of crime in Europe was Barcelona about 35 years ago. Other than that, had a pair of Nikon D3s bodies stolen from a bag that I had my feet resting on whilst sleeping on an overnight train in India.
Sorry to hear your lost. I lost my iPhone 13pro in pickpocket in Paris last Sept. So I know how you feel, but your lost are greater. Sorry for that. I'm going to Barcelona in 10days, I planned to put my backpack inside my luggage, so will only lug along with single luggage, also hv a front poach that hang in front of my chest. I also bought a small keychain alarm siren. Whenever anyone come close to me or tap me, I plan to immediately trigger my alarm, hopefully that alarm noise will trigger them to go away immediately. That's my plan.
I almost caught a romanian Pick pocket at a metro station in Rome. What I mean is I grabbed his hand when he was almost done with taking my wallet from my trousers sidepocket.But in just seconds he managed to dissapeare in the crowd. Luckily, I kept my wallet...
That's not being robbed, thats someone stealing your bag. Robbery involves violence or threat of violence. Did you have an AirTag hidden in your bag? Insurance? Just the basics.
@@MikesManCave oh well then you’d also know he had no insurance and he had no airtag so why did you ask….You didnt watch the video right…Just sayin cupcake…🤷🏿♂️
can you put a decoy in your back pocket decoy wallet with fake cards and use anti theft bag with rfid blocking Slash resistant straps Sorry to hear this happened to you
I actually lent 70 euros to a thief in Barcelona 😢I didn't no at the time he became a friend etc then he did me like a kipper 😮 always do not trust anyone in Barcelona,,,i mean nobody no matter how much you no them...
Clever you are. You have wonderful beautiful places in Spain to visit apart Barcelona and Madrid cities where most of gangs operate. You have Bilbao, Santander, Gijon, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, really loads of places in Spain to visit which are safer and also are not crowded. I live in Dublin, and here is the same, it's full of robbers.
Sorry for your loss but there were so many warning signs all through the engagement with the criminals. I imagine your equipment was maybe cheap if you couldn't afford a taxi
Maire and I are gutted for you for what you went through, can you share some go fund me links please.
Thanks both, it means a lot and I hope you guys are doing good. Ok yeah. I’ll put them below if you want to, the messages are very kind on their own so thank you. So sweet.
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/petescameragear?ZR497byR
www.gofundme.com/f/pounds4pete?member=22196283&+share-sheet&
I live in Barcelona and been robbed my Phone twice. The first time I got robbed I was sitting in a Sant Antoni restaurant having dinner with my girlfriend, an ( arabic looking ) guy approched us pretending to be deaf and left a piece of paper on top of the table, the paper read that he was deaf , he couldn't speak and if we could give him some pocket money. We didnt give him any, he appeared to be angry took his paper and left.
Shortly after we realized that he didnt just only taken his piece of paper, but my Phone as well.
I just mentioned he was arabic because the city is suffering with a phaenomenom called "MENA", which are underage kids usually coming from Morocco or North African countries Who are not accompanied by adults. This leaves them in a situation where the Goverment is taking care of them, giving them shelter and a healthcare pension. Also, they are unenployable, this turns them to be into pickpockets.
The law doesnt affect them as an adult, if they commit a theft and are caught, they are out of the station by the afternoon, because they are underage.
Also, the organize crime knows about this, and sometimes they take this kids as part of their gangs to commit this kind of tiny crimes si the adults in the organization dont have to, since them, would be jailed .
It is a sad reality, but both of the times I got robbed, they were both underage Arabic looking kids.
I also avoided a third theft once going up the Espanya metro station automatic stairs. Realized a Guy had a hand into my pocket, I quickly turn to him and Kick him in the chest, he fell down the stairs and started running. I warned the security of the metro they had a pickpocket loose, he told me there was very little he could do.
Always keep your valuables in your backpack facing front ( on top of your belly ) when traveling here in the metro
This is really useful to know, thanks for all the information!
I feel your pain, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Thanks for posting this, I will guard my camera gear with extreme caution. In Milan, I had some bloke tap my shoulder, I told him **** off. I was unsure of his intentions, this is quite sad as I'm normally very friendly and welcoming to everyone but unfortunately in places like Paris, Barcelona and Rome, you have to be very careful.
Sorry to hear this happened to you dude. But thanks for making this to help people avoid this happening to them in the future
Yeah I hope now if this happens it will be obvious and easily avoided! Thanks Andy ❤
The worst part of scams like that is the way they play off social trust. Who wants to live in a world where the first thought that comes to mind when a stranger tries to help you is - "How is this person trying to take advantage of me?" Every theft like that makes the world just a little bit worse. Still, you're out of some camera gear and I feel for you on that, it hurts and there might be a moment when you make the mistake of blaming yourself. I'd think of the people doing the stealing thought; at some point they'll look in the mirror and realize that the person they're looking at hurts people just to get by. Who'd want to be that guy?
Thank you for sharing. About to travel to Barcelona so trying to learn about all possible ways they take your gear
Great for sharing! People need to know, you can't trust anyone out here when it comes to things like that. It can be hard when they're working together as they're so quick, I always warn all of my clients before coming here.
that sucks. All travelers should keep it in their minds to not engage or communicate with unsolicited persons. Understand that you are a potential prey, so keep your distance from strangers who offer you anything when you did not ask for it, never do anything anyone asks you to do, do not read or sign any papers, accept anything, and hold on to everything you got. As long as you are not injured or in pain, forget about it if you got some dirt on you, mustard or ketchup spills. If someone drops coins, papers, or spills their water, let them be, don't try to be a hero to help someone out for stupid non-emergencies like that
Dang! Sorry for your loss bro but all the way thru Im sure you’re insured till 11:41 😱😱😱
Thanks God it wasn't violence involved against you or your girlfriend. The material stuff can be replaced later on. Still, it's infuriating to know that they got away with it.
No tracking device in the bag? I'm looking at adopting that as part of my defense.
I really feel for you - gutting.
Thanks for sharing this Pete. So sorry again that this happened to you. One of my friends dad had happen to them over here in the USA. But with hot sauce.
Yeah hot sauce is a big one too 😩
Sorry hear that Pete, those buggers are clever they can trick the best of us, main thing is you're both ok and the important stuff was safe (passport wallet etc) I had my rucksack stolen in Ibiza luckily they took what they wanted but left our passports in the dumped bag, massive headache sorting phone and keys out etc tho! Take care and thanks for letting everyone know about this scam 👍
Thanks Ian. Yeah seems everyone has a story about Barcelona and theft. It’s crazy.
Damn sorry to hear. Thanks for sharing. So it looks like they target any type of person, even a tough looking guy with tattoos.
Ha ha yup they don’t care what you look like. They never plan on getting caught
A good lesson to never have your passport in a bag! But sorry for this hard lesson!
Just seen your video and so sorry for you, but thank you for sharing the video as I am travelling to Barcelona soon to do some street Photography, I will take your advice, Again gutted for you.
How was it Kevin? My flight goes in 2 days I am disgusted by Barcelonas vibe. Seems like they are so careless about their own individual life and collective wellbeing, who are all waiting for end of the world. Fuckin hell mate.
It's really shameful that most European nations simply do nothing about such scams. I mean if the police wanted to crack down on these people, they can easily do it.
i'm sorry to hear that this happened to you, but i am also glad to learn about this since this is somehting that i didn't know about. i am moving to barcelona in 2 months and now i know something else i should be looking out for. once again, i am so sorry that this happened to you, as this is every photographers worst nightmare.
So sorry that happened to you, Pete. Take care and good luck! Animo
Thanks Robyn
Always use Aerobus than the metro to go into the city.
Sorry to hear - I‘ve been three times there last year with very expensive gear and luckily nothing happened.
I am often in Barcelona. My favourite place . Thanks for sharing this dude. Sorry for you .
Appreciate it. Hope it helps you out at some point
NEW BEGINNINGS
Yeah time to rebuild
Sadly, the most dangerous route you could have taken, I am really sorry.
Better of with the blue aerobus.
I am really sorry this has happened.You did nothing wrong here.
The metro line from the airport is new and is not connected to many places, so it's deserted. In addition, the areas it goes through are not the best.
This is an extreme type of robbery.In Barcelona, and if you would have been in a more crowded area, it may have not happened. Locals are well aware of it.
You seem like a really nice person, and I hope one day you visit Barcelona again.
Stay safe.
Thank you that’s very kind. Yeah I will be back and love it there, but will have a much keener eye this time around haha. Thank you for the advice
@Pete Jobson when you do .Please if you can to let me know.
I would be happy to get you and your partner for a coffee , point out truly unique and beautiful places to take photos or make films from.
For example , on one side of Sagrada Famaila, lights up spectacularly when the sun is rising, with lights and shades going in many directions against the building, A time lasp video of this sun raise against the Sagrada familia would truly unique. I am no photo grapher however I know I good shot when I see one.
Another would be from the top of camp nou as dusk is falling, you get a very unique perceptive even though there is many from up there looking around inside and around the camp nou.
I just got all my gear stolen in Barcelona as well. It was at least 4000 euros lost in a minute!
I’m sorry to hear that. Not a feeling I want to experience again. Hope you’re ok though
can you put a decoy in your back pocket decoy wallet with fake cards and use anti theft bag with rfid blocking Slash resistant straps
How much did the gofundme raise Pete? Was it enough to replace all your gear?
People need to give out some serious street justice to curtail this behavior. The politicians aren't doing sh1t.
Don't use any type of train in the EU or UK with your gear on you.
I was considering going to Ecuador with about 10k EUR camera gear, not alone, but part of a group, but still not decided. There is actually no insurance covering camera gear for citizens of EU :-( Only UK and USA based on my research.
Bummer.
But I live in Portland Oregon. In last 5yrs, I’ve had numerous bikes stolen, my car windows broken with gear taken. Been scared for my safety in broad daylight.
Last time I went to portland it was beautiful and safe. I think around 2018. I can't imagine it being bad.
I’ve travelled extensively around the world and the only place I’ve ever been a victim of crime in Europe was Barcelona about 35 years ago.
Other than that, had a pair of Nikon D3s bodies stolen from a bag that I had my feet resting on whilst sleeping on an overnight train in India.
I knew what happened before you said it. Sorry that happened to you
thanks for reminding me about insurance, planning a trip to Greece
always use a cable lock to lock your bag to your body.....
Sorry to hear your lost. I lost my iPhone 13pro in pickpocket in Paris last Sept. So I know how you feel, but your lost are greater. Sorry for that.
I'm going to Barcelona in 10days, I planned to put my backpack inside my luggage, so will only lug along with single luggage, also hv a front poach that hang in front of my chest. I also bought a small keychain alarm siren. Whenever anyone come close to me or tap me, I plan to immediately trigger my alarm, hopefully that alarm noise will trigger them to go away immediately. That's my plan.
I almost caught a romanian Pick pocket at a metro station in Rome. What I mean is I grabbed his hand when he was almost done with taking my wallet from my trousers sidepocket.But in just seconds he managed to dissapeare in the crowd. Luckily, I kept my wallet...
Did the police check the CCTV?
This is awful
They don’t care , it’s literally happening all the time there and other European cities
That's not being robbed, thats someone stealing your bag. Robbery involves violence or threat of violence. Did you have an AirTag hidden in your bag? Insurance? Just the basics.
Did you watch the video?
@@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse Clearly, that's how I know he wasn't robbed, someone simply stole his bag while he was distracted.
@@MikesManCave oh well then you’d also know he had no insurance and he had no airtag so why did you ask….You didnt watch the video right…Just sayin cupcake…🤷🏿♂️
@@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse Hence why I clearly pointed out his stupidity. I wouldn't even go to my local shops without insurance.
can you put a decoy in your back pocket decoy wallet with fake cards and use anti theft bag with rfid blocking Slash resistant straps Sorry to hear this happened to you
where you insured?
😔😔😔😔🙏🙏🙏
I actually lent 70 euros to a thief in Barcelona 😢I didn't no at the time he became a friend etc then he did me like a kipper 😮 always do not trust anyone in Barcelona,,,i mean nobody no matter how much you no them...
How did you become friends with him?
Audio is really low
Aww sorry mate. Recorded on my phone as didn’t have a camera. But agree audio is really low.
you always have to check your six. Always.
Well, Barcelona is off the travel list. I don’t need that to happen.
Clever you are.
You have wonderful beautiful places in Spain to visit apart Barcelona and Madrid cities where most of gangs operate.
You have Bilbao, Santander, Gijon, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, really loads of places in Spain to visit which are safer and also are not crowded.
I live in Dublin, and here is the same, it's full of robbers.
he came up behind you so you could not see him. I'm surprised your GF did not see anything
Sorry for your loss but there were so many warning signs all through the engagement with the criminals. I imagine your equipment was maybe cheap if you couldn't afford a taxi
Yeah that’s right mate
Such horrible comments. What matters if was cheap or expensive, it was his stuff, and nobody deserves to go through being robbed!
So you was robbed and want to teach ppl how to avoid being robbed? Ok....
Pay attention at the back, you might learn something…smh…