Spanish Highway Thefts Surge: Moroccan Expats Warned on AP-7 Route

Since April, awareness messages displayed on road signs on the AP-7 have been inviting travelers to be vigilant: "Do not trust strangers; theft on the highway; a flat tire? It may be a scam." The thieves identify their victims in advance, in the service areas. They are usually solo or two-person tourists, or elderly people. Once the owners resume their journey, the criminals, having already identified the license plate of the victims’ vehicle, carry out their plans.

They warn the driver that his vehicle has a flat tire, which is not true. "This method has developed a lot since the removal of tolls on the AP-7 highway, as the offenders have fewer obstacles to act and flee," explains the head of the Operational Mobility Unit (UOM) of the Mossos. Between April and July, 333 people reported being victims of these criminals, compared to 398 during the same period last year, relays La Vanguardia.

The Mossos d’Esquadra have detected a new theft method used by these thieves. It consists of using car remote control jammers in order to strip the interior of the vehicle of valuables (money, jewelry, suitcases or mobile phones) once the owner has left. The Mossos d’Esquadra warn against these criminals who use these maneuvers, noting that they have recorded three cases in Catalonia. They urge travelers to make sure their car is properly locked in the service areas.