Catalonia Highway Scam: Thieves Target Vacationers’ Tires, Police Warn

A new scam is developing on the highways of Catalonia, used by thousands of vehicles every day during this vacation period. The scammers target the tires of potential victims. Their modus operandi consists of spotting their future victim, following them until the driver stops, either at a toll booth or at a rest area, reports L’Indépendant. Then "an accomplice quickly gets out of the vehicle and comes to remove the cap of the rear right tire. So he can hardly be seen by his victim, busy with something else."

Shortly afterwards, the tire deflates on the road, forcing the vehicle’s driver to stop on the emergency lane. Another driver quickly joins him and spontaneously offers to help. The victim focuses all their attention on their tire. Meanwhile, an accomplice gets into the vehicle and steals objects or handbags "previously spotted and generally placed on the front seat of the car." The Catalan police advise to lock your vehicle as soon as you get out of it. Maximum vigilance is required.