Car thefts and break-ins are on the rise at Denver International Airport, but officials there say they have a plan to get things under control.
According to DIA, 378 vehicles have been reported stolen from its parking lots during the first half of 2023. That isn't counting car break-ins and catalytic converter theft, which has reached the thousands so far this year, according to 9news.
Airport officials said that's a fraction of the over 7 million vehicles that have parked there so far this year, but they acknowledge DIA's 53 square miles of parking provide ample opportunities for thieves to pounce.
The airport now plans to increase the number of security cameras it has on-site to improve coverage of surface parking lots. These efforts include High Activity Location Observation cameras, commonly known as HALO cameras. The airport plans to acquire 15 HALO cameras, which are mobile and will "monitor high-activity areas, discouraging criminal behavior and enabling rapid response and video evidence collection."
DIA also said it has bolstered security patrols through parking lots, deploying both contracted security guards and Denver Police Department officers.
The airport will also begin to scan its property for previously stolen vehicles. Law enforcement officials note that stolen vehicles are often used for further criminal activity, like stealing other cars or catalytic converters. DIA said it has the ability to notify security personnel when stolen vehicles enter "key locations on airport property."
Lastly, the airport is in the process of building new barriers at parking lots to prevent thieves from exiting and damaging gate arms.
Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of pre-existing services to prevent car theft. The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority is offering free catalytic converter protection kits, which reportedly deter thieves from stealing them. The kits are used to etch a unique code onto the converter that can be tracked. CATPA also has a limited stock of steering wheel locks that are free to car owners.
