Where there’s a will to steal a car, there’s a way. At least that’s what car thieves are proving with airport parking lots. Incidentally, police responding to airports like Atlanta’s busy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport report car theft crimes well into the triple digits.
Car thieves have stolen hundreds of cars from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this year, and ATL isn’t the only one
If you’re an avid traveler living in the United States, you’ve likely flown through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). After all, the Georgia airport boasts a unique claim to fame. Specifically, ATL is the “busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic.” Every year, around 100 million passengers pass through the centrally-located travel hub.
Unfortunately, that makes ATL a target for criminals, including car thieves. “There’s no real security present,” said West Clark of the parking facilities at ATL. Clark’s BMW M8 Competition was the victim of car thieves last month. “You see so many really nice cars at the airport, people just don’t park there thinking that their vehicle is going to be stolen.” Incidentally, Clark’s BMW is a grand tourer with a starting price of around $140,000,
Clark’s BMW is just one of over 300 stolen cars at ATL this year, per Atlanta First News. Fortunately for Clark, police recovered his M8 Competition using an Apple AirTag to track its whereabouts. However, some vehicle owners aren’t so lucky.
Denver International Airport (DEN), the third busiest airport in the United States, also suffers from brazen car thieves. Thieves stole an astonishing 1,325 cars in the last four years, with 609 thefts in 2023 alone.
It’s not just cars, either. A passenger entered a parking garage at Orlando International Airport (MCO) earlier this month to find a late-model Toyota Camry on blocks. Thieves had stolen all four wheels and tires off of the vehicle, leaving it immobile and likely damaged. The social media user walked around the vehicle advising travelers to be prepared for shenanigans.
We recommend using a rideshare service, shuttle, public transit, or a ride with a trusted cohort above parking your car at a busy airport. However, if you must park your car at a busy travel terminal like ATL or DEN, lock your doors, secure your valuables, and consider a tracker.
