The incident took place last weekend, at around 3 a.m., on the AP-7 motorway in northern Spain. According to local media reports, a group of so-called teloneros — thieves specialising in slashing semi-trailer tarpaulins — were targeting trucks parked at a motorway service area.
After cutting open the tarpaulin of one vehicle, the perpetrators loaded the stolen goods into a van which, as later emerged, had also been stolen. At that point, a truck driver intervened, attempting to block their escape by driving his articulated vehicle into the thieves’ van.
The recording shows how quickly the situation escalates. The perpetrators react aggressively — smashing windows, striking the tractor unit’s cab and trying to intimidate the driver. Eventually, they abandon the van and the stolen cargo and flee in another vehicle. The driver was not injured.
AP-7 motorway in thieves’ sights
For years, the AP-7 has been regarded as one of Spain’s transport corridors most exposed to organised cargo crime. Various criminal groups operate along the route, including teloneros. Their modus operandi is well known: operating at night, using fast vehicles, monitoring parking areas and carrying out rapid transfers.
Stolen goods often reach the black market very quickly, frequently to fulfil specific orders. Despite years of countermeasures — including patrols, the use of drones and night-time operations along the length of the AP-7 — police effectiveness remains limited. Some suspects are released almost immediately, and pursuits often end with the perpetrators escaping, creating additional risks for other road users.
Emotions versus safety
The footage captures the moment when frustration and adrenaline override caution. However, guidance from police and transport security authorities remains unequivocal. In the event of a theft or attempted theft, drivers are advised to:
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avoid direct confrontation and not use force,
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remain in the cab, lock the doors and, if possible, secure the vehicle,
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immediately contact the emergency services by calling 112 or the local police,
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note as many details as possible, including the location, the vehicles used by the perpetrators and the direction in which they fled.
In Spain, police also encourage the use of the official AlertCops app, which allows users to quickly share their location and report a threat. The message from the authorities remains unchanged: cargo can be insured; health and life cannot.
Transport security experts warn that taking matters into one’s own hands can end tragically — both for the driver involved and for other road users. Aggressive reactions from thieves, high-speed getaways and damaged vehicles pose a real risk of a serious accident.
