Friday, November 14, 2008

Highwaymen arrested

Three ‘highwaymen’ have been arrested in connection with a series of hold-ups and thefts on the AP-7. The suspects, of Iranian and Pakistani origin, are said to have dressed up as police officers in order to pull over unsuspecting foreign drivers.

Police began their investigations when they got wind of a number of robberies taking place in September and October at service stations and toll-booths along the Costa Blanca. The victims tended to be expatriates or tourists who, after being pulled over and shown fake police ID, were usually told to leave their vehicles. They were then relieved of any money and valuables they were carrying.

Thefts of this nature were reported as occurring on the Benissa, La Vila Joiosa and San Juan exits on the AP-7. A police raid on the home of one of the suspects in El Albir led to the seizure of cars used in the thefts. Officers say all three have a previous criminal record for similar offences in Italy, France and Germany.

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