If you read [travel websites about Barcelona](https://wikitravel.org/en/Barcelona#Pickpockets) they will often talk about it being the "[pickpocket capital of Europe](https://www.thelocal.es/20220816/how-barcelona-is-once-again-spains-city-of-thieves/)" or at least about how pickpockets are a major concern.

However, in the last 5-10 years the amount of cash people carry has declined. Mostly to almost zero and we just use cards.

Mobile phones have become less appealing to steal as you have the ability to brick them remotely if you find it has been stolen. People no longer really carry huge DSLR cameras as they just use phones, as well.

Hence, is pickpocketing still an issue in Barcelona given that people don't carry valuables anymore? If so what valuables should I be looking to protect?