Highway robbers hit tourists in Spain

As millions of families begin their summer breaks, the Foreign Office has warned British-registered cars are ‘an easy target’ for motorway thieves.

Gangs of highway robbers are targeting UK tourists on holiday in Spain. A spokesman for the British embassy Spain said ‘motorists may be driving along the motorway and not notice there’s a car close up behind. Someone in the other car throws a stone at their vehicle which creates a loud bang. The British drivers pull over to see what has happened and the gang is behind them. They cause a distraction to steal from them or simply mug them. It’s a growing problem.’

Joy and Alan Horton, from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, were driving a Ford Focus hatchback through Spain when they heard a loud bang and pulled over. A car that had been travelling close behind them also stopped, and while the driver talked to them, his accomplice stole their possessions without them noticing. Mr Horton said ‘if you think your car may have been in a collision and you pull over, lock the car as soon as you get out and mount a guard on both sides of the vehicle. Keep all bags and valuables in a locked boot.’

Professor Stephen Glaister, of the RAC Foundation, said ‘drivers need to remember to stay alert and be ready for unwelcome surprises just as they would be at home.’