Thieves want your ride, especially if you drive something like a Dodge Charger or Challenger. One man from southern Indiana learned this lesson the hard way after his beloved Mopar was stolen from airport parking and later found stripped to the bones.
Florida men caught stealing Jeep headlights in airport parking lots.
He parked the 2016 Dodge Charger Scat Pack at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport while away on a business trip. But by the time he got back to the parking spot, his vehicle was gone, reports WDRB.
The Mopar muscle car was later recovered, or at least what was left of it after the thieves had their way. As you can see from photos provided to WDRB by the victim, they stripped it down to the frame.
We see cases like this and even worse (sometimes they cut out portions of the frame, too) all the time. Airport parking lots and structures seem to be prime hunting grounds for a lot of car thieves. And it makes sense why.
Think about it: when you park at the airport, you’re leaving your ride unattended for days at a time. Thieves love this because it gives them plenty of time to work on breaking in, getting your car started, and getting far, far away before you even know what’s going on.
This is why we recommend having a friend drop you off at the airport or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Sure, it might cost you a little more than the parking fee, but not having your car stolen while you’re on vacation or traveling on business is a good thing.
In this case, the victim bought the car when it was brand new and so was quite attached to it. He told WDRB he babied it, then someone took the Scat Pack and used it for parts on the black market.
Every airport is going to tell you their long-term parking is secure. Maybe some are, but we honestly wouldn’t chance it.
Images via WDRB
Follow The Auto Wire on Google News.