Javier Díaz Warns of Rising Theft in Barcelona: "Travel to Spain, But Be Cautious"

Cuban-American journalist Javier Díaz has taken to social media to report a concerning incident: his mother fell victim to theft in Barcelona, a city increasingly notorious for pickpocketing in recent years. Díaz shared that his mother, who has lived in Spain for nearly four years, was robbed of her mobile phone and personal ID this past Sunday.

"Spain is a wonderful country, but these incidents severely tarnish the reputation of its major cities," Díaz remarked. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome his family has received in Spain, yet cautioned his followers to exercise increased vigilance in public spaces such as streets, subways, and buses, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Díaz cited statistics indicating that around 155 phone thefts occur daily in Catalonia alone, most of them in Barcelona, where skilled pickpockets often manage to evade security cameras.

Despite the distressing experience, Díaz noted that his mother downplayed the event, saying, "There are more important things in life."

Another Incident in Madrid: Journalists Under Threat

This is not an isolated incident. A couple of years back, Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón also reported being robbed in Madrid while on vacation. Pentón recounted on Facebook that an individual, who appeared to be of Arab descent, approached him under the pretense of discussing "soccer," kicked his legs, and swiftly snatched the phone from his pocket.

The experiences of both journalists underscore a growing problem in Spain's major cities, where pickpockets have become a significant concern for both locals and tourists.