Robberies A7/E15 near Alicante and Murcia

David2115
David2115 Club Member Posts: 548
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just a warning to those touring in the above route....recently there has been an increase in robberies of tourists in the service areas. The MO is for the thief to open the doors or their target vehicles , engage in a fruitless conversation and then snatch a bag from the person sitting in the vehicle. This is happening in broad daylight in popular service areas. 

A member of my tour group was a victim last week. 

My advice is be vigilant, if sitting in the vehicle whilst parked up then lock the doors. Don't have bags openly on display. Have valuables secured away out of view. 

For your information 

 

Comments

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #2

    You get chancers on the N332 as well.

  • DJG
    DJG Forum Participant Posts: 277
    edited May 2017 #3

    Once again, never ever put all your eggs (valuables) in one bag. In fact it is best never to put anything of value in a bag in the car. The distraction theft take seconds so the more concealed and dispersed you're items the harder for the quick theft. You might be happier sitting on your valuables, but they have ways of getting you to move!!!

  • David2115
    David2115 Club Member Posts: 548
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    edited May 2017 #4

    Agreed, the hassle caused by the feat of a passport is awful. However I have to say the consulate staff in Alicante were brilliant in organising the emergency replacement and my client flew out a few hours later albeit to a different airport. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #5

    I have had a passport stolen 20 years ago in the Algarve. Passport was on the floor of the car under passenger seat along with a cheap camera that we used if on a beach. We didn't want an expensive camera unattended on a beach whilst we were in the sea. 

    We came back to the car, no sign of damage but doors unlocked! Checked and no passport. We had a meal and then I went to local police station. Going up the entrance steps a local copper passed me and said 'Good evening Mr T'. I went in and reclaimed my passport which had been handed in after supposedly being found in a skip. Yeah - right.

    It had been handed in less than an hour after the theft. The 'finder' did not get a thank you reward from me!

  • Landyrover
    Landyrover Forum Participant Posts: 143
    edited May 2017 #6

    We have just come round Valencia, but we used the AP7 from Cartagena to Javea. OK it cost about 20€ but the traffic was light and when you stopped at a service area you did not feel threatened. The toll cost was worth it for the peace of mind.

  • Landyrover
    Landyrover Forum Participant Posts: 143
    edited May 2017 #7

    Oops, wrong town, we came round Alicante on the AP7, but we shall continue to use it as we go north. Around Valencia our rule is "don't stop anywhere" except in emergency. until we are back on the toll motorway.