A 27-year-old man was detained in Oropesa del Mar after a violent escape attempt. He is accused of targeting tourists’ cars at AP-7 service areas. Police recovered stolen cash and valuables.
A major police operation in Oropesa del Mar has led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man accused of a string of thefts from vehicles parked at AP-7 service areas. The suspect, who allegedly targeted cars belonging to tourists and travelers, was apprehended after a high-risk pursuit that forced several drivers to swerve out of harm’s way.
According to the Guardia Civil, the investigation began after a series of thefts were reported at service stations across Castellón province. Officers identified a luxury car matching descriptions from multiple incidents and set up surveillance to intercept the vehicle. When the suspect noticed the police presence, he attempted to flee, ramming a patrol car and executing maneuvers described as “extremely dangerous.” The chase ended only when the driver lost control and crashed into roadside infrastructure.
After the collision, the man resisted arrest, requiring officers to use force to detain him. He was later brought before a judge, who ordered his immediate imprisonment. The operation uncovered that the suspect had been using a high-end car stolen in Madrid, frequently changing license plates to avoid detection. With this vehicle, he moved between service areas along the AP-7, focusing on parked cars of tourists to steal cash, jewelry, and other valuables. The total value of the stolen items in the resolved cases exceeds €19,000, according to police estimates.
During the arrest, officers recovered €3,465 in cash, foreign currency, and various pieces of jewelry, all of which have since been returned to their rightful owners. Authorities also seized forged documents and a range of tools believed to have been used in the thefts, including glass-breaking equipment, flashlights, screwdrivers, bolt cutters, a knuckle duster, and unauthorized defense sprays.
The detainee faces charges for 15 counts of burglary from vehicles, motor vehicle theft, document forgery, reckless driving, assault on law enforcement, and serious resistance. The case highlights ongoing challenges in securing tourist routes and service areas, especially during peak travel periods. Similar incidents have drawn attention in other Spanish cities, such as a recent case in Madrid where a shoplifter’s actions led to a large-scale evacuation at a shopping center, as detailed in this report on a fire incident at La Vaguada.
Spain’s AP-7 motorway is a key corridor for both domestic and international travelers, making its service areas frequent targets for opportunistic crime. Police regularly advise motorists, especially tourists, to avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles and to remain vigilant in rest areas. The use of stolen high-end vehicles and forged documents by organized thieves complicates detection and increases risks for both law enforcement and the public. The swift response by the Guardia Civil in this case underscores the importance of coordinated surveillance and rapid intervention in preventing further incidents along major travel routes.
