Diseño del blog

26 march 2024

Ana del Río

My mobile phone has been stolen!

Barcelona, the vibrant Catalan city, is known for its impressive architecture, sunny beaches, and lively nightlife. However, it's also important to be aware of a problem that affects many residents and visitors: mobile phone theft. In this bustling metropolis, pickpockets -carteristas- lurk in crowded places, ready to take advantage of any lapse in attention. 

After receiving some action-packed stories from our students at Río Spanish School who have been affected by mobile phone theft in Barcelona, we've decided to create educational materials to better understand the issue, learn the vocabulary, and practice scenarios that could arise at any moment: "My phone has been stolen!"

Pickpockets are experts in the art of theft -hurto-. They blend in with the crowds, seeking opportunities to slip stealthily and snatch valuables from unsuspecting pockets. Tourists, in particular, can be easy targets, as they are often distracted admiring the wonders of the city and may neglect the security of their belongings. A police colleague explains to us that "The best thing that can happen to you in a robbery is not even realizing that it has occurred."


Citizen patrols -patrullas ciudadanas- have also been a subject of debate in Barcelona. Some question their effectiveness and legality, arguing that their presence could lead to unnecessary tensions or even conflicts. Additionally, there are concerns about the training and supervision of these patrols, suggesting the possibility that they may act more like improvised vigilantes than a legitimate complement to law enforcement.

We invite all readers of Río Spanish School to share their opinions and experiences related to mobile phone theft in Barcelona. Have you been a victim of theft or witnessed any suspicious situations? What measures do you take to protect your belongings in crowded places? Your voice is important in this debate. Feel free to leave your comments and contribute to this conversation!

If you are a Spanish teacher and you want your students to learn how to talk about this topic in Spanish, check out our lastest teaching material available in our shop:

Me han robado el móvil en Barcelona. Escuela de español

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