I wouldn't dramatize things, be aware, but there is really no need to avoid nice places such as Barcelona, or to call a purse snatching attempt a robbery.

I'm not talking about violent crime, it's just pickpocketing i.e. really frustrating but all you will lose is some cash, maybe some sleep, and time (to block credit cards, arrange new documents etc.).

That being said, pickpocketing is becoming a real plague in European cities. I live in small city that recently had an invasion of pickpocketing Roma gypsies (usually the children).

It's really heaven for pickpockets:

-Justice system and police cannot be bothered. Such petty crimes are not even penalized when the culprits are caught.

-Culprits are usually underaged, so at worst they will get a slap on the wrist. These boys and girls actually laugh at the police when caught. They know they'll be back on the streets in less than 1 hour.

-It is considered racism to say it are the Roma gypsies in this city (although everybody knows) thanks to our naive policitians that still believe in a multicultural utopia and sweep any misdemeanors of minorities under the rug.