Since the V16 beacon became mandatory for signaling breakdowns and accidents on Spanish roads on January 1, several cases of fraud and theft related to the geolocatable pre-signaling device have been registered. This trend adds to the “pirate tow trucks” attempting to tow broken-down cars that have used the device.
This same week, National Police agents concluded the so-called operation V16 with the arrest of a 39-year-old man in León, the alleged perpetrator of more than thirty burglaries inside vehicles parked in community garages. In most cases, the objective was to steal the beacon.
“"Stopping due to a breakdown and not placing the beacon leads to a fine, as it has been mandatory by law since the beginning of the year."
The police investigation indicates that these thefts are clearly motivated by the obligation to carry the V16 beacon. This motivation has caused similar robberies in other parts of Spain, such as Alicante and Murcia. Approved beacons, priced between 30 and 50 euros, are easy to resell on the black market, as they are not personalized and there is still demand from drivers who do not yet have them.
The Police recommend that drivers do not leave valuables in plain sight and that they note the reference number of the beacons and any object stored in the vehicle. This allows a crime to be charged against the thief and facilitates the return of the device to its owner.
