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Atlanta airport car thefts under microscope
As Thanksgiving travel rush is underway with 4.2 million passengers to fly to and through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, customers are worried about the dramatic increase of car thefts at the airport's parking lots.
ATLANTA - As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is bracing for record-breaking crowds during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Airport officials estimate that more than 4.2 million passengers will travel through the airport from Nov. 21 through Dec. 3. The busiest days are expected to be Friday, Nov. 24, followed by the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Travelers are being urged to plan ahead, especially when it comes to parking. Airport officials warn that parking lots could reach capacity at peak times. Safety and security are also top priorities, as airport police respond to a concerning rise in car thefts. In the first 10 months of the year, 301 vehicles were stolen from the airport. On average, that works out to about one theft a day. That is more than triple the number in all of 2023.
"It was so heartbreaking when we walked out and my car was gone," said Jennifer Powell, who recently had her vehicle stolen at the airport.
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"We'll be on high alert monitoring the airport and responding swiftly to incidents," said Maj. Kelley Collier of the Atlanta Police Department’s Airport Precinct. "Additionally, we have increased our presence throughout the terminal and in parking areas to provide assistance and reassurance to travelers."
Collier says the cameras and anti-tailgating equipment are important because following someone else out is how thieves have been able to get out of the lots without paying.
Jordan Biegler, Assistant General Manager of Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson, emphasized the airport's readiness to handle the holiday rush.
"We stand ever ready to serve our guests here at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport," Biegler said.
Officials also announced new technology aimed at reducing car thefts, which will be implemented in the coming weeks.
"In order to get your ticket to come in here, it would take a picture of your license plate, so that was new to me," said Amy Jahnke.
Police are also expected to patrol the lots more frequently.
Travelers are encouraged to arrive early, check parking availability online, and remain vigilant to ensure a smooth and safe journey during the holiday season.