Thieves are targeting cars parked in airport parking lots

Thieves have targeted cars parked in garages and parking lots at various U.S. airports. ABC News reports that car thefts at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport have more than tripled and that a theft ring allegedly stole more than 50 cars from Dallas Fort Worth Airport to resell them in Mexico with reprogrammed key fobs.

All major local airports – BWI Marshall, Dulles and Reagan National – report no increase in car thefts in their garages and parking lots. A BWI spokesman said car thefts continue to occur at this airport.

“We work very closely with our law enforcement and aviation security partners to provide our customers with a safe and pleasant experience,” BWI Marshall spokesman Jonathan Dean wrote in an email. “Our law enforcement and security partners will of course be highly visible in and around the airport during the holidays.”

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority — which operates both Dulles and Reagan National — said it has its own police department with more than 220 sworn officers.

Local airports said you can avoid becoming a victim of car theft or burglary by not leaving valuables out in the open and making sure you lock your door.

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