This business of car jacking

[Chris71]

Googled a couple of things on driving in Spain to make sure I had the requisite number of warning triangles or whatever and I seemed to come across repeated references to car jacking. Apparently there's a trend for criminals posing as the police to pull over foreign registered cars and then rob the occupants.

Is there actually any truth in this? The way some of the guides read you'd think sleepy rural Spain was twinned with Basra. I'm guessing this isn't the case.

[Chris71]

rdjohn said:

"if they are cops all hell is about to break loose"

That was kind of my thought. If you assume they're not really the policia and boot it you could get into a lot of trouble if the assumption turns out to be wrong!

So, without wishing to seem paranoid - what would be the giveaways? Is it safe to assume genuine police will always have uniforms and marked cars?

ETA What the foreign office says:

FCO said:

When driving, be wary of approaches by bogus police officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Policía (Police) or Guardia Civil (Civil Guard), and normally have blue flashing lights which they will activate when they stop you. In non-related traffic matters, police officers may be in plain clothes but you have the right to ask them to identify themselves. The Civil Guard or Police will only ask you to show them your documents and will not ask for your bag or wallet/purse. Should the police ask for ID, show your passport, driving licence or any other photographic ID.

If in any doubt, you should talk through the car window and contact the Civil Guard on 062 or Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.

Be aware of 'highway pirates' who target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. Some will (forcefully) try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of your/their vehicle, stop in an area with lights/people, e.g. a service station, and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

Edited by Chris71 on Friday 18th March 16:50

[Chris71]

Yeah, if they have guns I think I plan to stop irrespective of whether they have Police written on them or 'Albanian Mafia client liaison'.

[Chris71]

Chordiant said:

Kneetrembler said:

If you are ever worried buy a couple of small boat flares and keepin your glove compartment,you don't need a licence to buy or carry and they would be a very handy deterrent,used properly

I like your style - a lot..!!

+1

Although I should point out we didn't have any trouble in 2,000 miles of driving in the end and relatively little police presence. It felt safer than driving in the grottier parts of London, that's for sure.