"I Couldn't Believe It" - Singaporean Man Robbed in Barcelona Recovers Valuables

While theft and robbery in one country may be unalike to the conventions in another, a Singaporean lawyer was lucky to have his belongings back after only 6 hours.

32-year-old Daniel Lim experienced an unexpected and shocking robbery while on a brief trip to Barcelona. As shared on his TikTok on 11 December 2024, after picking up his rental car from the airport, a driver claiming that Lim’s tyre had an issue pulled him overWhile engaged in the conversation, a second car pulled up, and the driver warned him not to park there. In that split second, a thief stole Lim’s bag, which contained his passport, wallet, and keys.

The Chase and Confrontation

In a panic, Lim attempted to chase the thieves, but they sped off too quickly. The thief’s distraction had worked. Left in disbelief, Lim immediately blocked all his credit cards and contacted his girlfriend, who suggested tracking his Samsung Galaxy Buds. To his relief, the buds showed they were in a nearby open-air café.

Lim drove to the café and, much to his surprise, came face-to-face with the very same thieves from the Albanian gang responsible. Despite recognizing each other, the situation seemed too tense for police involvement, so Lim decided to stay calm.

Lim politely asked for his passport back, explaining his distress about his upcoming flight the next morning. Not wanting to point the camera at one of the perpetrator’s faces, Lim chose to take a selfie instead.

One of the perpetrators promised to return the passport, claiming they had thrown it near the airport.

One Last Search

However, after waiting 40 minutes, the thief disappeared with the others in a car, leaving Lim with only more questions and no further leads. Lim, undeterred, drove back to the airport, hoping to find his belongings but had no luck. Just when he was considering changing his flight, he decided to visit the police station.

To his surprise, the police returned his bag, which a taxi driver had reportedly found. Although his wallet and cash were gone, his passport, keys, and credit cards remained intact. Although his wallet and cash were gone, his passport, keys, and credit cards were all intact. Lim expressed his relief, but noted the police had been reluctant to file a report without evidence for insurance purposes.

Reflecting on the incident, Lim shared a vital lesson for travelers: “Never trust anyone,” emphasizing that even in places that seem safe, one should remain alert and cautious. He also expressed his gratitude for the return of his vital items, highlighting the importance of preparedness and luck in navigating such situations.

Similar Incidents in Barcelona

Car crime in Barcelona is a growing concern for tourists. Common scams involve motorcyclists puncturing car tires while stopped at traffic lights, then stealing valuables while drivers change tires. One visitor detailed a scam where a fake “police officer” tried to intimidate them.

Catalon Highway Robbery, photo from Catalan News

To avoid such crimes, experts advise keeping valuables hidden, locking doors even when present in the car, and avoiding suspicious interactions. Tourists should remain cautious, as incidents of theft are frequent, particularly around quiet or isolated areas in the city.

Daniel Lim’s experience serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of vigilance when traveling. While the shocking robbery could have been devastating, his quick thinking, resourcefulness, and determination ultimately led to the recovery of his essential belongings.

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