Rise in Spanish motorway robberies

Security Posted on 27/07/2012

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The British embassy in Spain has issued a warning to motorists following a rise in the number of cases of motorway robberies. Spaniards have been targeting British motorists in particular along their country's highways, with a large proportion of incidents taking place on the AP7 which runs from the French border to the Alicante region of Spain. The criminals have devised several ways of getting drivers to stop, after which point they then steal items from the unsuspecting victims' cars. They may, for example, pretend they are in need of help and ask for British motorists to stop and help them with one member of the gang creating a distraction while another steals from the helper's vehicle. Alternatively they may slash the tyres of British car or a rental car and then offer to help the very people whose car they have damaged before helping themselves to luggage and other items in the car. Another ploy involves spotting tourists with expensive luggage or laptop cases at the airport and then following them until they manage to somehow stop them and steal the items they spotted in the airport. Dave Thomas, Consular Regional Director for Spain, commented: "We are warning drivers of UK-registered cars and hire cars to be on the alert on motorways in Spain, both while driving and taking a break. Be on your guard against anyone who attempts to stop you or ask you for help - they may well be part of a gang operating a scam in which an unseen accomplice will rob you of your things."

You can find the full statement from the embassy on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

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In brief : Security