I love Spain but I have witnessed a businessman's briefcase being stollen at our hotel reception desk. The thief, dressed in a suit and posing as a businessman himself, just stood next to the man while he was distracted checking in, just leant down and picked up his briefcase and quickly walked out.

So always put your briefcase on the counter and lean on it and wedge your wheelie in front of you while at the desk checking in.

I was always told that when in the Miami area of the U.S. especially in a hire car, which our easily identifiable by thieves, that you should never be looking at a map because this is a giveaway that you are a tourist. Never stop for anyone no matter what they are trying to tell you as they are more than likely trying to rob you or car jack you.

I expect these issues happen in a lot of countries but some are worse than others.