Foreigners are easy targets

I have read this from www.radiosolymar.es and made a copy for you to read:

Gangs of highway robbers spoil the holiday for tourists on the roads in Spain. Dozens of foreign-registered vehicles or rental cars have lost their belongings, passports and money in fast and cynical assault.
Tourists on the Costa del Sol are regularly exposed to highwaymen who do not shun any means to rob motorists on holiday in Spain.
Hundreds of tourists in a foreign-registered cars or hire cars have been victims of assault and "hold-ups" in which unscrupulous gangster-like types are stuck with belongings, passports and money.

Simulates accident or make loud noises.
The most common trick is to simulate a traffic accident where thieves pray vejassistance. Under "Help" employs thieves the chance to acquire bags, passports and money from unsuspecting motorists who are stopped to help.
Other gangs use of parking lots and gas stations where motorists keep a momentary pause. Under the pretext of asking for directions or help or cause confusion with loud noises manages to distract the victims so much that during a brief moment of inattention grab bags and values.

Violent stitch up
The number of assaults and robberies against foreign drivers on the Costa del Sol have increased dramatically since the economic crisis began five years ago. According to the British Embassy in Madrid, there is an increase of 10 percent only during this year. A spokesman for the embassy said that many British motorists have been surprised by the robbers cynical approaches.

Throwing stones at the car
It may happen that a car is running very close behind, while someone from another car throws a stone at the car. You hear a bang, and motorists will stop therefore up to see what happened. Then turn to the gang, said sources at the embassy.
The British Embassy warns against the kind of assault and theft and confirms that there is a "growing problem".

The worst hotspot for the AP-7-highwaymen is the stretch between the border of France and Alicante region in southern Spain. There was last year reported that more than 140 cases of thefts and assaults on this stretch, but the real figure is estimated to be much higher.

Do not stop for anyone
Dave Thomas, who is regional manager for the British Consulates in Spain, calls to be wary of people trying to get you to stop on the road.
- It may very well be part of a gang that operates tricks with innocent victims, he said.
Stephen and Helen Robinson from Desford, Leicestershire, had their bags stolen from an Audi Q5 when they went out to walk their dog during a stop at a gas station between Barcelona and Valencia.
The couple, who are in their 50s, stood and rummaged in the trunk of their car when a man with a cell phone trying to explain something in English. While the talk went, all their belongings removed - despite the fact that their dog was still inside the car.
Please be sure to have your values and bag with you or hidden from the road when you get in or out of the car. A brief moment of inattention is enough to make your holiday spoiled.