Italy and Germany see surge in car‑theft and auto‑parts fraud

In Naples, Italy, criminals have begun tossing live mice into moving vehicles on the Asse Mediano highway to startle drivers, causing panic‑induced braking and creating opportunities for thieves to steal the cars. Police are monitoring the tactic, which has led to a spate of robberies and heightened safety concerns for motorists.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the Association of Vehicle Dismantlers (ADA) reports a sharp rise in online scams targeting buyers of used auto parts. Fraudsters clone legitimate dismantler websites, post fake ads on marketplaces, and demand prepaid payments via bank transfers or prepaid cards, leaving victims without the purchased parts and damaging the reputations of authorized dealers. The association advises consumers to verify official sites, contact sellers through listed phone numbers, and avoid payments to private accounts.