© AVSA 2011-2023 Version 19.1.07 20/01/2023
Theft from cars
Theft from hire cars
The high level of passport thefts from vehicles are the focus of a new drive by the
Consulate and police to reduce the number of Brits who suffer the consequent losses of
time and money.
The British Consulate last week met car hire companies at Alicante airport and the national
police to discuss ways to reduce the number of British nationals who fall victim to
passport robbery when they collect their hire cars.
The Consulate asked car hire companies to remove stickers from the back of cars as this
makes them an obvious target for thieves. One company revealed that since removing
stickers from its cars, the number of broken windscreens had reduced greatly.
The car hire companies said they will issue new advice to customers:
1. Never leave personal belongings visible from outside the vehicle
2. When your vehicle is full of suitcases or other valuables, leave it in a proper car park
with security cameras, not on the street
3. Be extra wary when loading and unloading – keep your valuables close to you
4. Ignore attempts to distract you when on the road or in a car park - they could be part of
a ploy to rob you
The police promised more patrols at the car hire collection point and closer working with car
hire companies. They also urged car hire companies to publicise the telephone number
902 102 112 for tourists to report a crime in English if they do fall victim.