In reply to Stu Tyrrell:
> Just thought you who are going to C/B should be aware of:
>
> BY TOM CAIN
> A BRITISH COUPLE AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN WERE ROBBED AT GUNPOINT ON THE N-332 SHORTLY AFTER THEY LEFT ALICANTE AIRPORT IN A HIRE CAR RECENTLY.
>
> The frightening attack took place at around 02.30 on the N-332 near Santa Pola as the Singh family were on their way to their holiday home in Guardamar. Mr Singh said a car that had been behind them ever since they left the airport suddenly came alongside and clipped the wing mirror. He went on to say that after pulling over to check the damage, the driver of the other car came over and began remonstrating with him. During this time, a third car arrived and a man armed with a gun came towards him demanding money.
>
> Mr Singh's petrified wife and two children, aged six and nine, were also threatened by the gang.
>
> After stealing all of their cash and credit cards, the gang drove off taking the hire car with them and leaving the terrified family stranded at the side of the road. They were forced to walk two kilometres to a petrol station where staff called police.
>
> Guardia Civil and National Police launched an immediate search for the gang and the hire car was found later that day abandoned in Elda.
>
> Although the family recovered most of their belongings, the attack has left them severely traumatised. Mr Singh said: “The whole affair has affected us badly, after years of holidaying in Spain this incident is making us think twice about coming back. The children are very upset and they have trouble sleeping”.
>
> Police are investigating possible links to a similar attack on a British couple travelling to Jijona at around the same time.
>
> Costa Blanca News warns that Alicante Airport is a favourite haunt of organised gangs that target newly arrived passengers, especially in the hire car area of the car park. Travellers are advised to be extra vigilant in light of this latest attack
>
> Stu
This seems to be a recurring theme in Spain lately with gangs specifically targeting hire cars. A similar incident occurred to my Uncle and Aunt in Andalucia in Easter this year. Although not held up at gunpoint the gang had laid nails in the road causing an inevitable puncture causing them to pull over. A gang of robbers was on hand to relive them of their belongings!
