stark warnings to British tourist making their way or holidaying in Spain alerting them to be aware of highway robbers marauding Spanish roads and highways who are targeting foreign-registered and rented vehicles.

Over the weekend the FCO through the UK press have made a series of stark warnings to British tourist making their way or holidaying in Spain alerting them to be aware of highway robbers marauding Spanish roads and highways who are targeting foreign-registered and rented vehicles. The warnings are made on the Official UK Government FCO website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/safety-and-security) Where Under the individual country foreign travel advice page, under ‘Spain’ the FCO in their great diplomatic wisdom and displaying a total lack of sensitiveness to the people here has included ‘Gibraltar’ in the same country page as Spain. The FCO’s individual country travel page, gives advice to British Nationals who are planning or going to a foreign destination, alerting them with current and up to date advice, on things like safety and security, crime, terrorism, local laws and entry requirements amongst other issues, that a would-be traveller may encounter when visiting a foreign country. FCO Issue Warnings to UK Tourist of Crime on Spanish Roads The matter came up during the weekend, when the UK media reported on warnings issued by the FCO to British travellers visiting Spain where they warned of gangs operating on popular tourist routes, between Barcelona and Alicante, and across Madrid and down this area of Andalucía The Foreign Office warned: “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 a public area with lights like a service station, and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.” The FCO also warned that tourists should also be wary of bogus police officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked cars, saying that in all traffic-related matters, Spanish police officers will be in uniform, and all police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID. Unmarked police vehicles and have flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Policía (Police) or Guardia Civil (Civil Guard), and normally have blue flashing lights. Adding “Genuine police officers will only ask you to show them your documents and will not ask for your bag or wallet/purse.”