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***image1***The German automobile club ADAC wants to make travelers aware of the fact that vacation time is also a high season for criminals.
For weeks, crooks play tricks on people in upper Italy on A9 between Como and the Swiss border. They look for people traveling alone, in vehicles with foreign license plate numbers. They slash the tires, let the air out or loosen the hubcaps, so drivers are forced to stop shortly after. Then, those criminals offer their assistance and use the situation to steal valuables out of the unlocked car.
In France, mainly in the south, criminals attack campers and use mace to knock them out. In Spain, fake police officers steal valuables and money while “searching” vehicles for drugs or charge high fines for alleged speeding violations.
ADAC officials recommend that travelers always lock their vehicles, especially in city centers, motorists should lock their doors and the trunk, even while driving.
Valuables should not be visibly placed in cars, they should be carried next to the body, maybe in a money belt or neck wallet. If something has to stay in the vehicle, it should be placed in the trunk, covered with baggage.
If, while driving, somebody is hinting a possible defect or requests that you halt at the side, keep driving until reaching the next rest stop, if possible.
With a slashed tire, you still can drive, on the rim, if necessary. If you do have to stop, lock the car and call for assistance by mobile phone. One passenger should always stay in the car, if available.
Keep calm. If other motorists are nearby, call their attention by honking the horn. Don’t ever antagonize the delinquent(s). Rather give him or them your money or car than put yourself in danger.
