From personal vehicles to rentals, airport parking lots may not be as secure as you’d expect
Car theft happens every day, everywhere—from driveways to dealerships, and yes, even airport parking lots.
Recent reports reveal that auto theft at airports is more common than many realize. Vehicles left for extended periods can become easy targets, especially since they might appear abandoned. For example, in Missouri, such cars won’t even get towed, while in New York City, unclaimed vehicles are promptly towed and sold. NYC doesn’t play around with its parking regulations.
Recently, six New Yorkers and two Atlanta-based accomplices pleaded guilty to stealing multiple vehicles from airports across the East Coast and Midwest. Using stolen identities and credit card information, the group booked rental car reservations, often flying together to pick up the vehicles—and simply never returning them.
Business Insider reports that a NYC-Atlanta car theft crew targeted luxury SUVs like the BMW X7, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Suburban. According to the Department of Justice, they stole at least 19 vehicles valued at over $1.1 million, compromising the identities of at least 23 people.
All members pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, with sentencing set between December 2024 and February 2025, depending on their cases.
Meanwhile, a Houston-based car theft ring has been linked to around 52 stolen vehicles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, totaling an estimated $4.9 million in losses. Despite a reported 40% drop in thefts at DFW, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram revealed the cars were stolen from airport garages and lots, re-titled, and resold both in the U.S. and Mexico.
Operating since July 2023, the group also targeted airports across Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Search warrants uncovered their use of car-stealing tools, including an Autel key programmer, Bluetooth vehicle interface, unlocking devices, and traditional tools like pliers and screwdrivers.
Three suspects were arrested last month and face charges for organized crime, with investigations still ongoing.
