Drivers have been warned following a surge in gangs using signal jammers to steal valuables from parked cars on the Costa del Sol.
Last week, two men were arrested for using the tactic in the car park of a Lidl supermarket in Bel-Air, Cancelada (Estepona).
They were caught red-handed by patrolling police officers just moments after breaking into a vehicle.
Thieves increasingly operate in supermarket car parks that are near high-traffic tourist areas.
They target rental cars equipped with frequency jammers and block the signal of their remote car keys.
It means that when a driver walks away believing their car is locked, it’s actually wide open.
The thieves then quietly help themselves to bags, electronics, and luggage, often targeting tourists or people distracted with shopping.
The two men arrested in Estepona, both Algerian nationals, were stopped by Policia Nacional officers before they could flee the scene. They were taken into custody and brought before the courts.
Investigators say this technique is becoming increasingly common, especially during the tourist season.
Back in early summer, two Romanian nationals were arrested in the same area for similar offences.
Signal jammers are particularly appealing to organised groups because they leave no visible damage to the car, often delaying the discovery of the crime until the victim returns.
Police urge caution in busy areas and for people to physically check their car doors after using the key fob.
They should also keep valuables out of sight and report suspicious behaviour in supermarket and shopping centre car parks.
Read more Costa del Crime news at the Spanish Eye.
