I never thought this would happen to me, but I was pickpocked in the Metro today on my way home from class today! I was on the Metro Circular Line 6, going from Ciudad Universitaria to Metropolitano, and a guy slipped his hand in my purse and took my wallet. Looked me right in the eye, before he did it, too! Luckily, he didn´t hurt me or use violence. I didn´t realize what had happened until the guy was off the train and on his way.

At any rate, I just want everyone to be aware to be very careful of your belongings. I went to the police station (comisaria) and filed the police report (denuncia). The police were very helpful and sympathetic. They even called the bank for me to cancel the credit card1

The thief didn´t get much money, but he did take my passport! I never carry my passport around, but I needed it yesterday and didn´t take it out of my wallet. (I usally carry a photocopy). I can replace it, but it is going to take a trip to the US embassy.

The police tell me that thefts on that line of the Metro are not common. But who knows, really? Just take care and try not to carry around too much valuable stuff. I would hate for anyone else to have to go through what I am sorting out right now.

Funny, I have never been the victim of a crime until today. I guess there´s a first time for everything!

But, I still love Madrid!

surprised.
sad.
angry.

those are the 3 phases we go through when this crap happens.

sorry to hear that CaliforniaGirl.
some of us go years here and never have these problems and others get hit rignt "off the boat" so to speak.

while violent methods are rare in these types of robberies, it is common to not even realize you have been taken until you go to look for your purse/wallet.

when i am on the metro i have my backpack on and my back to the wall. if i cannot have my back to the wall, i have the backpack on in front of me instead of on my back.

one hand is holding onto the bar so the crazy metro engineers don't kill me and the other is ALWAYS on my valuables which i have in one pocket.

glad the police treated you well. nice to have someone be helpful after an experience like that.

true, line 6 is not a line that tourists usually even find and is used by mostly spaniards. also, a lot of students use line 6 and since students have no money, it is not normal for pickpockets to hunt there. nothing like lines 2 and 3.

saludos,
jer...

hola! i am so sorry for your pickpocket experience...what a nightmare. but it seems like you have handled it well and have a good attitude despite it.

my first brush with crime was also here--purse-snatched in a restaurant in scheme involving the waitress--and of course several other mm-ers can attest to pickpocketings and even muggings..

it is hard to wrap your head around it. suffering these things in a place you love so much. but, i guess the reason it happens is the same reason why we are here. madrid is so big and vibrant and exciting. we love it and are drawn to it and flock here...and those scumsucking thieves do too.

it is sucky in a way, but you will become so madrid-wise and alert now--i always know exactly where my purse is (in fact, i almost exclusively use the kind that straps across my chest), i am extremely aware of my surroundings and belongings not only in crowded places like metros but when i am alone too walking home in my neighborhood at night. sometimes i resent having to be so alert, but it has become second nature and well....i haven't been robbed anymore (two attempts in july though in barcelona, i caught the theives both times!) and, sad as this is to say, i formerly lived in the inner cities in detroit, new orleans, and boston...and had guns pulled on my in two of those cities and heard gunshots nightly in all three--guns are still illegal here, so no matter what, that ain't gonna happen....

anyway, stay strong chica...and if you ever need support, just post....

candela

Hey, all,
You guys are awesome! I am going to go to the US Embassy tomorrow for a new passport and then onto the bank to get a new bank card. Wish me luck!

Thanks for all of your positive vibes!

Been there done that too. Sorry for your experience, you were lucky that you didn't have a lot of money in your wallet. And it is true that line 6 isn't one of the famous ones for these things happening, but I guess there's always a first time. The most important thing about these things are the lessons learned, always keep your wallet at the bottom of your purse/backpack, keep your purse or backpack well closed at all times, keep all valuables in physical contact with your body, etc. Glad to hear the police were good to you too and for future info, there is a phone number where you can call in your "denuncia", you can even request an English speaking police officer, and then they give you a file number, you go with that number to any police station and sign and get a copy and that's it. A few years ago you had to go in person and wait for hours at the police station until it was your turn, etc. Anyway, the number is 902.102.112 and I and my students have had great experiences using it so far.
Stay safe out there everybody!
Lena