Vehicle thefts at DIA and surrounding areas have tripled since 2021

DENVER (KDVR) — New crime knowledge reveals thieves are concentrating on vehicles parked on the airport at greater than 3 times the speed as in earlier years. 

In response to Denver Police, in 2019, 2020 and 2021, a mean of 47 autos had been stolen from Denver Worldwide Airport, rental automobile heaps and the encircling space. To this point this 12 months, at the very least 150 autos have already been stolen.

“It’s simply actually unlucky that individuals are doing this to households, people, to attempt to make a buck,” John Layman mentioned. 

Layman mentioned he had his truck stolen on the finish of March whereas he was on a household trip to Mexico. 

“It’s a shock. It’s an actual shock to assume, oh my goodness, anyone stole our truck. And I’m similar to, I nonetheless can’t imagine it,” he mentioned. 

Truck stolen from Denver airport lodge

Layman and his household reside in Hayden, which is about three-and-a-half hours away from Denver Worldwide Airport. He mentioned they spent an evening earlier than flying out at a lodge on Tower Highway as a result of it provided parking throughout their journey.

“We’ve by no means had an issue with these accommodations,” he mentioned. 

Nevertheless, once they returned from Mexico every week later, Layman discovered his truck was gone. Finally, it was recovered in Westminster. He mentioned insurance coverage declared it totaled. 

“It had physique harm, medication, there was — imagine it or not — children clothes and sneakers within the mattress,” he mentioned. 

Whereas Layman mentioned his insurance coverage firm and the lodge had been each accommodating, the aftermath of shedding the truck has been a battle. The Laymans reside on a ranch and use the truck to haul livestock, hay and water every day. Additionally they want a automobile with four-wheel drive due to the mud and snow close to their rural property. 

“A rental automobile isn’t actually going to assist us,” Layman mentioned. 

The truck additionally had his youngsters’s carseats inside when it was stolen. 

“It makes you leery considering that you would be able to go away your automobile for a sure variety of days or a day or no matter you’re doing, as a result of I don’t understand how properly you’ll be able to monitor it,” Layman mentioned. 

Auto theft prevention suggestions didn’t work

Denver Police inform the Downside Solvers they’re stepping up patrols in parking heaps and garages. The division can also be doing outreach to close by companies that supply parking for vacationers to assist with theft prevention. 

Moreover, DPD suggests parking in a well-lit space, locking your automobile, eradicating all belongings out of your automobile and equipping it with an alarm system to discourage thieves. 

Layman mentioned he adopted all the recommendation and nonetheless ended up a sufferer of car theft. 

“I don’t know what the answer is, however it’s a heartbreaking ordeal, it truly is,” he mentioned.