By Adam Woodward • Published: 06 Aug 2026 • 23:01 • 4 minutes readTyres slashed delaying tactic scam Credit: Google + victimLocal residents, long-term expats and holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol can only get a better picture and real protection when everyone shares warnings and reports every incident quickly. One British woman and her family drove down from the UK for a well-earned family break near Marbella, as thousands do every year. How these gangs operate on the Costa del SolCriminals arrive for the summer season in places like Marbella, Estepona and Mijas. Why reporting and community action matterThese thieves give the Costa del Sol a bad name and cost ordinary families time, money and peace of mind. Costa del Sol life still offers the countryside calm and coastal fun that drew so many of us.