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It is planned
that in a
couple of
years, all
cars will be
computerised
and there will
be a databank
of information
enabling all
stolen cars to
be located,
worldwide and
then returned
to its
rightful
owner. The
scheme will
not however
include
Morocco, for
they have a
law that
states that if
a vehicle is
brought into
the country
with illegal
paperwork then
it cannot be
granted an
exit visa. The
only way that
this could be
rectified
would be by an
amendment to
the Moroccan
custom laws,
which may
never happen.
In Spain it is
often
international
crime rings
that organise
the vehicle
trafficking as
the profit to
be made is so
huge. The most
sought-after
models include
4 wheel drives
such as
Mitsubishi,
Mercedez,
Range Rover
and Jeeps
which are most
useful in
countries
where there is
a lot of snow
or desert. The
route for
stolen
vehicles is
usually via
the ports of
Almeria,
Algeciras or
Cadiz.
With the
abolition of
European
borders, the
problem is
getting out of
hand.
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Minor crime
Crime in Spain
is generally
quite low,
however there
is an increase
in the large
cities of
thefts from
vehicles.
Tourists are
prime targets
as they will
continue to
leave
valuables on
view in their
cars. Hire
cars are also
so easy to
spot.
When
parking your
car, remember;
-
Do not leave
any
valuables in
view -
better still
take them
with you
-
At night
park your
car in a
brightly lit
area -
better
still, in a
secure car
park (and
make a note
of where you
have parked
it)
-
Make a note
of your
registration
number and
keep it with
you
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There are
increasing
numbers of
reports about
crimes
committed at
airports, in
particular
involving
hired cars.
On arriving
at an airport,
most people
are
disorientated
and are easy
targets.
Take note of
these simple
guidelines and
you will
reduce the
risk of crime;
-
Keep all
your luggage
with you at
all times -
never leave
it
unattended
-
Keep your
passports,
money and
tickets out
of view at
all times
-
Avoid
confrontation
with
strangers
asking for
directions
or help -
point them
to the
information
desk
-
If you
collect a
hire car,
place your
luggage in
the boot and
lock it
-
Check the
tyres for
damage
before you
drive away -
look for
puncture
damage
-
As you leave
the airport,
if anyone
flags you
down, do not
stop
-
Ask the hire
company for
the nearest
garage. On
arrival at
the garage,
lock your
car when you
get out -
take the
keys with
you
These are
guidelines
only, to
minimise the
risks.
Generally
you will not
have
problems and
Spain is a
safe place
to be
It is very
common in
Spain for a
car to be in
collision with
parked
vehicles and
not stop. Most
cars have
damage to some
degree and it
is quite
acceptable.
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