Security footage captured the incident, which occurred on 17/9 at Sant Josep Oriol square in Barcelona. The thief blended into a group of tourists before approaching an outdoor table where three people were talking.

He used his left foot to drag the bag, which was placed next to the leg of a chair. After moving the bag several feet away from its owner, he paused to see if anyone noticed.

Seconds later, he bent down, picked up the bag, placed it into a larger bag he was carrying, and walked away.

The video suggests the thief was experienced and calm while committing the crime.

Police sources said today that disguising oneself as a tourist is a common tactic used by thieves to avoid detection. Authorities are investigating but have no updates, despite a clear view of the thief's face.

The incident took place in a small pedestrian square next to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, a 15th-century Gothic church popular with tourists.

Barcelona is notorious for pickpocketing and robbery in Europe. A few years ago, pickpocketing was so rampant that local police issued "rescue kits" containing clothes and metro tickets to tourists who lost their belongings on the beach while swimming.

Tourists visiting popular attractions in Barcelona are increasingly taking extreme measures to protect themselves. They tie their bags to their legs while sitting in restaurants and keep all jewelry in hotel safes.

Locals advise tourists to keep valuables out of sight, avoid shortcuts through quiet alleys – ideal targets for thieves – and stay away from the metro during rush hour when most pickpockets operate.

Hai Thu (Theo DailyMail)