For the first time ever we nearly had an incident of being robbed. We were walking up a side street between Sol and the Plaza Mayor (but fairly large street nonetheless, and right near a full outdoor cafe) when a gypsy girl approached with her newspaper and did the typical, "Por favor, guapa, un duro, un duro...". I forcefully said, "No gracias" and kept going, but somehow she nearly forced my friend into the wall, pressing against her with the newspaper. I didn't even realize this was going on till my friend pushed her away and then came over saying that the girl's hand was actually in her purse and it was very lucky she had noticed. This girl could not have been more than 17. After that we were a littled rattled for the night and went right home.

Tip: Do not look like you are afraid of them (thieves or anyone suspicious). The more they smell fear, the more they go bolder.

You should never get confidence with a gypsie. It is not racism, in my own expirience the 90% of gypsies I've known live from robbery or from asking for money (charity).

Also, I've seen on TV how they rob (one of their techniques). If they identify you as a tourist (and certainly there is no difficulty in doing it) they show you a newspaper asking you to buy it, then they get it near to you and quickly try to pickpocket your wallet (in case it is visible), your camera or something else.

There are other techniques (not just gypsies): One of them ask for something, and when you are busy they try to steal you what they can.

To be honest, I'm 23 years-old, I have walked on the most dangerous estates and districts and I've NEVER been robbed. I've been in tricky and dangerous situations sometimes, but if you are clever and are aware of where you shouldn't go you will not have any problems.