A recent report from The Philadelphia Inquirer found more than 18,000 vehicles reported stolen in Philadelphia in 2023, up 130 percent from the same time in 2022. This year alone, 112 cars have been stolen from Philadelphia International Airport so far. This is a 5,500 percent spike from the same time in 2019.

Concerns were further raised at Philadelphia International Airport after it was revealed there’s a serious lack of security cameras on airport grounds. Following the fatal shooting of an officer this year in a parking garage at the airport, investigators discovered blind spots – or places missing security cameras. The airport later confirmed there are no cameras in the parking garages. This means if travelers park their car there before travel, there’s no way of knowing who might be responsible for hitting (or, worst case scenario, stealing) their vehicle.

The airport explained the garages at Philadelphia International Airport were constructed nearly 50 years ago before cameras were integral to the infrastructure. Efforts are now underway to integrate camera technology into garages.

It was also reported earlier this year Dallas Fort Worth International Airport increased patrols in response to increased reported car thefts.

And according to Denver Police Department records, this year has seen more auto thefts than ever around Denver International Airport. Between January and July this year, 801 auto thefts were reported within a 7-mile radius of the third-largest airport in the country. In comparison, auto thefts within a 7-mile radius of the airport in 2022 numbered around 700, and fewer than 500 in 2021. Trucks are the biggest target for car thieves in this area.

And just one week ago, 13 people were indicted after allegedly stealing vehicles from parking lots at Denver International Airport.

Spikes in auto thefts increased during the pandemic and show no signs of slowing anytime soon. And it’s not just travelers’ cars facing these thefts. Rental car theft at airports is also running rampant. In June of this year, police reported 25 auto theft incidents since January from Philadelphia International Airport’s rental lots at Budget, Avis, Alamo, Hertz, National and Other operators. Five of these 25 thefts occurred at gunpoint.

Other airports reporting increased vehicle thefts include Detroit Metro Airport, which saw a spike in thefts in 2022. In 2022, the airport reported 29 car thefts, while 2021 only had three auto thefts, and 2020 had zero reported thefts.

Airport auto thefts aren’t restricted to the United States, either. In February this year, a man was arrested for stealing 80 cars from airport valet parking services at Heathrow airport in London. The Telegraph recently reported Luton Airport as the U.K. airport with the worst crime rate in 2022.

Have you encountered an issue with parking your car at an airport? What are some ways you think airports can reduce auto thefts? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.