THE BAD GUYS, THE REBELION AND THE WEAPON

CONTEXT: Spain is currently filled with pickpockets that prey on people's most important belongings. They act in groups, or as Spaniards call them, “clans.”

The Bad Guys

These clans have different origins. Some are from Armenia, some from Chile, and some are Spaniards themselves. Each group poses different levels of aggression. Some even carry short blades and may use them if they get caught.

They usually attack in packs of two or more and can easily blend in, dressing like your average person heading to their 9-to-5 bank job. Here’s an example: Link.

Their favorite hunting grounds in Spain are metro wagons, metro stations, and tourist-heavy areas like Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

The Rebellion

It's rare for police officers to catch these crimes. They happen quickly and discreetly, using sleight of hand. Catching them would require active, targeted searches — which isn't currently happening.

Because of this, these pickpockets have gotten away with stealing millions of euros in phones and purses from both Spaniards and tourists. People have had enough.

A movement was born: PatrullaBCN. Led by Eliana, this initiative recruits and interviews fed-up citizens ready to do what police haven’t , stop the crooks.

How? Through a WhatsApp link, volunteers apply, get interviewed, and are then recruited. Once in, they go on search missions through metro lines and other hotspots where these pickpocket clans operate. A veteran from the group rides with them and teaches them what to do when they catch a thief: yell, corner, stall, and hand off to the police.

The Eyes Underground

Guillem is a Barcelona citizen who has roamed the world with his camera, documenting intense, high-risk realities in countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Spain. A true risk-taker.

Recently, Eliana contacted Guillem to help expose the situation happening in Barcelona and across Spain — to shed light on who these people are, how they operate, and how to stop them.

The Weapon

I found Guillem through social media and immediately messaged him. I explained that the mission of ClutchLoop is to do exactly that: help people protect their most important belongings.

Our anti-theft phone strap is designed for crowded, high-risk areas like the metro or tourist attractions. It gives people the peace of mind that their phone stays securely with them — even in the busiest spaces.

We believe the ClutchLoop phone tether is a tool that can help stop pickpockets. Eventually, one of them won’t realize the device is attached to the phone. When they yank it, the victim will be alerted, and the thief will have to flee.

This is more than just a phone loop — it’s a pickpocket prevention device. A discreet but powerful anti-theft phone accessory. Whether you’re a tourist, local, or commuter, having a travel essential like ClutchLoop could be the small detail that makes a big difference.

You can use the discount code “BCNapiedecalle” for 10% off.