Recently, the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) has seen a significant spike in vehicle thefts. In fact, data from the Detroit Metro Airport Authority shows that vehicle thefts have risen 900% from 2021 to 2022. This is a concerning trend for travelers who rely on the airport's parking facilities, with many left wondering if their vehicle will be safe while they're away.
Two travelers, Brian Adams and Eric Thomas, recently fell victim to this trend. Both men were on business trips that lasted no more than 48 hours, but upon their return, they were shocked to find that their parking spaces were empty.
"I walked into the terminal and even thought, 'I am going back to move it somewhere else where it's not so visible.' Had I trusted those instincts maybe it wouldn't have gotten stolen," Eric said.
According to the data, the most popular models stolen in 2022 were Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, a Cadillac Escalade, a Chevy Camaro, a Chrysler 200, and a Dodge Ram. In contrast, in 2021, only two Dodge Durangos and one Toyota Avalon were stolen.
One of the major issues at DTW is the lack of cameras in the parking facilities. In the Big Blue Deck, there are no cameras anywhere. In the McNamara Terminal Parking Garage, only one camera is pointed towards a maintenance garage.
Both Brian and Eric filed reports with the police and were able to recover their vehicles. However, the recovery process was not without additional problems. Brian found his 2021 Jeep Track Hawk engine for sale on Facebook marketplace for $10,000 along with other parts. Eric's 2017 Jeep SRT had thousands of dollars in damage and was found in a Detroit police impound lot, out of gas and reeking of marijuana.
In response to the recent thefts, DTW has announced that they are taking action to address the problem. The Airport Authority Police Department and Security teams have added patrols to ensure 24-hour coverage in the Big Blue Deck and the McNamara Terminal Parking Deck. They are also actively exploring the installation of additional cameras and other technology to enhance security, as well as pursuing additional investigative and enforcement methods.
DTW is a major transportation hub and it's concerning to see such a significant spike in vehicle thefts. The airport's management is taking steps to address the problem, and travelers can take steps to protect their vehicles by parking in well-lit areas, keeping valuables out of sight, and being mindful of their surroundings. It's important for the airport and local law enforcement to continue to work together to address this issue and bring those responsible to justice.