Use these tactics to beat airport parking car theft this holiday season
No one wants to come home from a wonderful holiday trip or an arduous work venture to find an empty parking spot at their origin airport. Tragically, however, thieves steal thousands of cars, trucks, and SUVs from airport parking lots every year. Still, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from this irritating and opportunistic crime.
Airport parking car thefts are on the rise, but you can stay one step ahead by parking and traveling smart
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world by the sheer volume of passengers that travel through it. However, it’s not just a top stop for travelers, it’s a frequented location for car thieves. Thieves have stolen over 300 cars from airport parking in Atlanta this year alone, per Atlanta First News. However, even with the unfortunate prospect of a stolen car, you can make yourself a harder target for airport car thieves.
- Consider using a rideshare service to get to the airport
- Should you park your car in airport parking, lock it and activate your alarm
- Hide any valuables from view
- If you have multiple cars, choose the less flashy option
- Consider using a concealed tracker like an Apple AirTag
For starters, criminals can’t steal what isn’t there. Duh, right? Hear me out. If you live in a city or town, chances are you have access to a Transportation Network Company (TNC). Popular “rideshare” options like Uber or Lyft can spare your ride from spendy and risky airport parking altogether.
However, sometimes a rideshare service isn’t an option. We get it. If that’s the case, lock your car and activate your alarm. Believe it or not, Tulane University data suggests that 80% of stolen cars in the United States were unlocked. What’s more, drivers should hide their valuables from view whenever they park.
Last month, car thieves stole a $140,000 BMW M8 Competition from airport parking at ATL. Consequently, it might be prudent to park a less attention-grabbing vehicle at a busy airport. In the case of the expensive BMW GT car, police tracked the vehicle using two Apple AirTags. Incidentally, a tracker is an important tool to keep tabs on your vehicle and aid law enforcement in tracking it after a theft.
