Messages for U.S. Citizens
December 23, 2011
SUBJECT: Personal Security Reminder for the Holidays
Madrid Residential Security Alert: There has been a documented increase in residential robberies in the areas of Salamanca, Retiro and Aravaca. Please use alarm systems when available. Use your door viewers. Do not “hide” keys or give them to very young children.
Please remember that crime rates in Madrid and Barcelona, as in most major cities around the world, often spike during the holiday season. Please remain extra vigilant and remember personal security begins with you.
Note: 112 in Spain is the equivalent of “911” in the U.S. There is always an English-speaker on duty, so don’t hesitate to call in case of emergency.
Tips for when you are out and about in Spain:
- In Restaurants - Keep your bags/possessions securely in your lap.
- On Public Transportation - Keep your wallet in a snug front pocket; keep your bags/possessions firmly in your hands.ç
- In Your Vehicle – Keep items out of sight in your vehicle. If anything is visible, someone may break the window and grab it.
- Beware of Snatch and Grab Scams
There are many variations but the primary theme is to distract you while they remove your valuables. This could be the cellular phone or wallet or iDevice on the table which is covered by the item you are asked to look at (map, document, etc.), but when they pick up their item your item goes with them. - Prevent Credit Card Skimming
Skimming (a form of high-tech financial fraud) is on the rise worldwide. It relies on sophisticated data-reading electronics to copy the magnetic stripe information from your credit card or debit card. It can capture both your credit card number and your PIN. And it's happening not just at restaurants but at neighborhood gas stations and ATMs. If you have any reason to suspect that the ATM you are about to use may be compromised, don't use the machine. Run your finger along the card slot to see whether anything comes loose or feels mismatched. If so, report it to the bank and find another ATM to handle your transaction. - In General
- Pay attention, especially when using a cellular phone; don’t become distracted, especially in large crowds.
- Get in the habit of “checking in” to let your friends and/or family know where you are and when to expect you.
- Don’t carry in your wallet more than you can afford to lose. Prepare lists of documents and keep them in a safe, easily accessible location so that you can quickly and efficiently report the stolen items (credit cards, passport, carnet).
- If you're paying cash for your purchases, don't show more cash than is necessary. Split up your money into different pockets.
- Avoid public disputes, confrontations or demonstrations.
- Do not unnecessarily divulge your home address, phone number, or family information.
New Year's Eve
In Madrid, thousands of people welcome the New Year in front of the century-old clock in La Real Casa de Correos (currently the seat for the Presidency of the Community of Madrid) in the Plaza de la Puerta del Sol. The kilometer 0 plaque is on the sidewalk in front of the main entrance.
In Barcelona, Plaza Catalunya is a popular gathering spot for celebrations. The police will increase their presence and establish a security perimeter. During New Year’s Eve celebrations, some citizens smash glass bottles on the ground when the clock strikes midnight which may result in injuries. After midnight, traffic will be very heavy as most people move around the city after family dinners to attend larger parties.
As thousands gather in limited open spaces, often under the influence of alcohol, the Embassy recommends a heightened sense of caution against pick-pocketing, crowd-pushing and physical altercations.
Three Kings Parade
In Madrid, the parade will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012, starting at 18:30 at Nuevos Ministerios and Plaza San Juan de la Cruz corner, going along Paseo de Castellana - Plaza Doctor Marañón - Emilio Castelar - Plaza de Colón - Paseo de Recoletos. The parade will finish around 20:45 at Plaza de Cibeles (Town Hall) where the Kings will give a speech and there will be fireworks. Thousands of people, especially families with children, are expected to attend the parade of floats.
In Barcelona, the parade will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012, starting at 18:30 in Avda. Marques de l’Argentera. A detailed itinerary is available at http://www.bcn.cat/recorregut/.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada. Callers outside the U.S. and Canada may call a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)
We encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Following is the contact information of our Embassy in Madrid and Consulate General in Barcelona. All contact numbers and addresses are also available on our website.
U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle Serrano 75
28006 Madrid
Telephone (34) 91 587 2240
After-hours emergencies: (34) 91 587 2220
E-mail: askacs@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Barcelona
Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23
08034 Barcelona
Telephone (34) 93 280 22 27
After-hours emergencies: (34) 91 587 2220
E-mail: Consularbarcel@state.gov.