Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SCAMS
There must be 50 ways to lose your wallet. As a rule, talented petty thieves work in
groups and capitalise on distraction. More imaginative strikes include someone
dropping a milk mixture on to the victim from a balcony. Immediately a concerned
citizen comes up to help you brush off what you assume to be pigeon poo, and thus
suitably occupied you don't notice the contents of your pockets slipping away.
Beware: not all thieves look like thieves. Watch out for an old classic: the ladies
offering flowers for good luck. We don't know how they do it, but if you get too in-
volved in a friendly chat with these people, your pockets always wind up empty.
On some highways, especially the AP7 from the French border to Barcelona,
bands of delinquents occasionally operate. Beware of men trying to distract you in
rest areas, and don't stop along the highway if people driving alongside indicate you
have a problem with the car. While one inspects the rear of the car with you, his
pals will empty your vehicle. Another gag has them puncturing tyres of cars stopped
in rest areas, then following and 'helping' the victim when they stop to change the
wheel. Hire cars and those with foreign plates are especially targeted. When you do
call in at highway rest stops, try to park close to the buildings and leave nothing of
value in view. If you do stop to change a tyre and find yourself getting unsolicited
aid, make sure doors are all locked and don't allow yourself to be distracted.
Even parking your car can be fraught. In some towns fairly dodgy self-appointed
parking attendants operate in central areas where you may want to park. They will
direct you frantically to a spot. If possible, ignore them and find your own. If un-
avoidable, you may well want to pay them some token not to scratch or otherwise
damage your vehicle after you've walked away. You definitely don't want to leave
anything visible in the car (nor open the boot if you intend to leave luggage or any-
thing else in it) under these circumstances.
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