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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of jetting off on holiday.
You don’t have to go to work, you can get the sun on your skin and you can spend days relaxing by the pool and enjoying a few drinks. But, when travelling, it’s also important to be cautious.
This is because people often fall victim of theft abroad with pick-pockets being especially common in European cities. But one woman recently revealed a simple thing you can do to avoid it.
Alexis, known as complexis on TikTok, created a video to share a simple hack that will help you avoid being targeted by “sneaky” thieves when you’re on your travels. Her advice has been issued to those planning to visit Barcelona, or any other major cities this summer.
The tip is particularly important for those who enjoy going out and about for food. She said people make a common mistake when dining outdoors.
In the clip, Alexis said: “If you’re sitting at a table, usually it’s normal for us to just have our phones on the table, right there. We’re constantly looking at it.
“People will approach you with a map, or a drawing, or something. They look sweet. They feel sweet.
“They come to you and underneath, when you’re not looking, they take your phone. I just watched somebody get robbed.
“They are so upset. It’s not even 10am, or 11am, so upsetting. They are so sneaky, and it’s so upsetting.”
Basically, she advised people to never leave their phones on the table when eating out abroad, as it makes thieves want to approach you. If anyone comes up to you offering you something, she said you should say no, and make sure you grab your belongings.
While it may seem like super simple advice, it’s said to be a common problem. In fact, Alexis noted it’s the “worst” part about visiting the beautiful Spanish city.
More than 60,000 people have viewed the video since it was shared, and social media users were quick to comment too. They thanked her for the handy “heads up”.
One person said: “In Barcelona the waiters will grab your iPhone off the table, and hand it to you. I had it happen three times until I got the hint.”
Another wrote: “In Madrid also happens. However Barcelona is the Mecca for sneakers by far.” A third replied: “Mine was stolen like that in Barcelona last year. Funny thing is, I thought I was being so cautious and aware of my surroundings.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Ignore anyone you don’t know, and keep your head on a swivel. Eating outdoors in Barcelona is a key target spot.”