Madrid Safety & Crime

In terms of where a tourist goes and does, in regards to safety, there's little cause for concern. Central Madrid is so populate and busy - that it never seems to carry any "big city" threat. At the same time, be very aware. The recent surge in immigration has plagued Spain with few other options than crime. Pick-pockets are the most common crime - there is very little violent crime. If you are unlucky enough to be threatened for money, it's unwise to resist. Drugs, account for ninety percent of crimes in Madrid.

Tourists in Madrid, as everywhere, are prime targets for pickpockets, and petty thieves. The main shopping areas, parks, the metro and anywhere with crowds; the Rastro market on Sundays is notoriously popular. Be aware that petty thieves often work in groups, one will try to distract your attention while your pocket is being picked. Like any city tourists are popular targets for muggers so keep jewelry and other items of high value concealed. Digital camers are less of a concern these days though like anything you need to keep an eye on them - never leave them on the table, no matter how close they are to you - they are too easy to grab and run. Never walk streets in the dark alone unless you are very confident of your ability to fend off a threat..

Unless you parked in an expensive parking garage, it is not rare to find your car broken into and the radio stolen. The police are generally fairly sympathetic and will give you a report form for insurance claims. Never keep anything in your car - even a simple jacket can tempt a criminal to think there is more to find inside. In an emergency, dial 112; English is usually spoken on this number.

There is no reason to carry big quantities of euros - there are ATM's everywhere and most stores accept credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. Always carry a photocopy (color is even better) of your passport and leave your real passport in your hotel room. The worst part of a robbery, will likely be the hassle when cards or documentation are taken, because you will lose a valuable sightseeing time with your recovery efforts.

1.  Keep a photocopy of everything (passport, credit cards, flight documents) back in your hotel room. This small step has saved hundreds of tourist time and frustration when contacting the providers.
2.  If you have credit cards from different providers, split them up so that if you lose one, you will be able to use the other without waiting.

You should enjoy this incredible city, so we here are our tips....

When you arrive:
After leaving the bus, metro, taxi or any public transport, be aware of your belongings. If you are carrying a laptop, keep it close to you, never set it down. Don't allow anyone do "brush-off" your clothes if they spill something on you by "mistake". This is a common pick-pocket ploy.

In your Car:
Do not leave anything of value in the car. If possible, remove the music system and take it with you. Lock the car.

ATMs
It is highly recommended to use a combination of ATM cards, travelers cheques and credit cards so you don’t have to relay on one way of payment during your trip. Check with your ATM card company that you can withdraw cash from ATMs in Spain - everyone that visits us here has no issues, but it if your bank is small, it is worth asking. Check what fee will the bank charged you for the transaction - some banks are horrendous.
Travellers checks are a safe way to travel, but cashing them has gotten very difficult. Better to use a traveler card.

Common Theives:
Be aware of ploys to distract your attention by thieves, they usually work in group or pairs.
Be cautious of anyone invading your personal space or someone who keeps offering to help you.

Be most careful in:
Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are fairly common in crowded places such as the metro, bus stations and surroundings, airport, The Rastro, Puerta del Sol, around Museums, or busy streets.
If you go to The Rastro wearing a backpack, it is better if you pull it round to the front and keep it closed. Typically, thieves work in pairs, one distracting the victim while the other locates and removes his/her wallet.

Near the Gran Vía, just behind the Telefónica building and on the "Calle Montera", are areas frequented by prostitutes and drug addicts. There is very little reason to be in this area if you don't live in Madrid. Keep to c/ Fuencarral. The shopping is night and day.

Police in Madrid:
There are several police forces in Madrid. The main is the local "Policía Municipal", in navy and white, and they are principally concerned with traffic. Another force is the "Policía Nacional", or "Cuerpo Nacional", in dark blue or brown. They are responsible for crimes. The "Guardia Civil", the legendary guards, in green and black, have to worried about the traffic in inter-city highways, customs in the frontiers and they guard many government buildings. While Spanish police have a very similar "Miranda Rights" that they abide to, I'd recommend never getting smart with an agent. The Franco days weren't that long ago.

If you're the victim of a violent or non-violent robbery you have to report the incident as soon as possible to the nearest "Policía Nacional" (Comisaría), and make an official statement (denuncia). All the "Comisarías" are open 24 hours a day.

   In the center (downtown) is in:    Central Police Station:    c/ Luna, 29.    Tel: 91 521 12 36    Metro: Noviciado

In the case of loss or theft of the passport, you have to report it immediately to the nearest "Comisaría" and to your consulate.