Survived our trip intact but too knackered from my Wife's tour schedule to go out after dark.
There are large gangs of North Africans selling a variety of tat at major sightseeing spots which we suspected lead to pickpocketing once they have distracted you. They run away en masse at the sight of the police. There were also groups of women going around with what looked like sponsor forms - have no idea what that was ! The other 'con' is that they drop what looks like a gold ring behind or in front of you and ask if you have lost it - when you say no they say they can't take it to the police as they have no papers - suggest you keep it and give them money 'for a coffee' - the first time we gave someone a couple of coins to get rid of him but he got arsy wanting notes - after that we just laughed - some of them were very amateur !
This has been your latest Crimewatch Paris report.
Barcelona is awful for pickpocketing, got divested of my wallet whilst getting onto a bus. Some guy had quite obviously brushed past me moments before. Various tourists that I encountered in the Catalan city angrily recounted similiar scenarios that had happened to them and vowed never to return. Shame, because Barcelona's otherwise a great city!
I've heard that the preying upon of tourists by thieving gangs is even worse in Sevilla.
