Catalonia has sharply changed its approach to highway security. A new wave of police operations has already led to a noticeable drop in crime on key regional motorways. For residents and visitors, this means reduced risks of theft or assault while traveling on the AP-7 and other major routes.
According to El Pais, Mossos d’Esquadra have stepped up actions against repeat offenders by launching Operation Kanpai Pista. During the latest large-scale check on the AP-7 and other highways, three people with extensive criminal records were detained, and police identified 181 individuals linked to 162 previous offenses. Officers stopped 151 vehicles, one of which was confiscated due to violations.
Operational efficiency on the rise
Since January 2026, Operation Kanpai Pista has built on earlier efforts to fight repeat crime. In the first three months, police detained 41 suspects—up 65% from the same period last year. Authorities seized 29 vehicles, 11 of which were reported stolen. Additionally, 28 restraining orders were issued, barring certain individuals suspected of theft and assault from approaching specific road sections.
Particular attention is being paid to so-called ‘teloneros’—groups specializing in nighttime thefts of cargo from trucks parked at rest stops. Another category is the ‘hurteros,’ who operate during the day by deceiving drivers and stealing their belongings. According to police, around 40 ‘hurteros’ and 35 ‘teloneros’ are currently active on Catalonia’s highways, with most concentrated on the AP-7.
New tactics and statistics
As part of the operation, Mossos are using not only patrols but also covert surveillance and data analysis to identify suspicious patterns. The latest raid involved 266 officers, who checked 144 vehicles and detained one car. The night before, a man suspected of stealing cargo from a truck at the Montseny service area was arrested. Police recovered 299 boxes of shoes worth €15,000 and seized a van alongside two luxury cars.
There has also been a sharp increase in checks: over three months, vehicle identifications rose by 171%, and people by 148%. Police visibility on the roads increased by 117%. Overall, this helped reduce crime on highways by 37% compared to last year.
Critical areas and coordination
The AP-7 remains the most problematic road, accounting for up to 85% of all crimes on Catalonia’s major highways. Mossos report that ‘hurteros’ usually operate in daylight, targeting foreign tourists whom they persuade to stop under the pretense of a flat tire. ‘Teloneros’ strike at night, cutting open truck tarpaulins to steal valuable cargo.
To boost operational effectiveness, several police units are involved, ranging from patrol officers to forensic experts and traffic specialists. Regular briefings allow for a swift response to new threats and enable strategy adjustments. According to unit leaders, the main objective is to ensure uniform and intensive patrolling so that criminals cannot exploit gaps between regions.
Context and recent developments
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in thefts along highways, particularly in tourist-heavy regions. In 2025, similar operations were launched in the south of the country, where authorities also recorded an increase in attacks on truck drivers. In response, officials stepped up controls at service areas and introduced new technologies to track suspicious vehicles. According to russpain.com, these measures have already contributed to a decline in crime on major highways, yet the problem remains relevant—especially during peak periods of tourist and freight movement.
