Crime on the AP7 (Spain) & A9 (France)

I think you hit the nail on the head ...

"I'm a seasoned traveller and driver, plus I grew up in New York City, so I've got a sixth sense about these things. Based on what I've read, the advice is never to stop to "help" someone, and to be on-guard at service plazas, as well."

I have travelled on this autopista a number of times without incident, but it would not surprise me if these things went on.

Good to know that you've traveled it several times w/o incident - that helps! Thanks

Service vehicles patrol the autoroutes, so no one needs to flag down another motorist. Most people know this. This is the first I've ever heard of this but will try to look it up. Where have you been reading about these robberies?

RE: the OP's post my research came up with news articles between 2009 & 2013.

These are some of the articles I've read...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2179516/The-hideaway-crime-gangs-hitting-holiday-Brits-Spain-Hundreds-driving-British-registered-vehicles-hire-cars-having-money-possessions-taken.html

http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/23141/highway-robber-alert-on-the-ap-7

http://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/Spain/Tips-on-Crime-in-Spain

Thank you for the links and warnings for others. Let me edit what I wrote earlier: the French autoroutes have service vehicles patrolling. I don't know about Spain.
The punctured tire happened to us at a small, remote gas station in Texas forty years ago. We had no choice but to pay for a new tire.

I think we'll be fine. Thanks everyone for their replies.

Actually, even in the U.S., if someone appears to be "stuck" and needs assistance, with the magic of cell phones, one need only call for help on their behalf without stopping (as long as one is not driving!). On AP7, though, I will just not stop for anyone and if the opportunity arises, will alert someone at the next service plaza.

bk,

I would do what you would normally do here at home. I keep on driving b/c of your reason - cellphones.

These articles are from a tabloid magazine and 2 glorified blogs. As always, common sense prevails - Spain and France are not the Wild West.

Thanks Emily.