Police warn drivers to beware of thieves targeting airport parking amid surge in stolen cars

Police have warned drivers to be wary of thieves targeting airport car parks due to an increase in stolen cars.

Travelers are being urged to be wary of “unofficial” operators claiming to offer cheap long-term parking following a rise in complaints, according to reports.

Vacationers are returning to find their vehicles damaged, burgled or stolen when they should have been looked after by meet-and-greet companies. Guard reported.

According to the newspaper, some faced penalty notices (PCNs) for parking violations despite believing their cars were kept in secure locations, while for others there was not even a meet and greet service, leaving them abandoned in the arrivals terminal.

Anyone can ply their trade as a parking operator as long as it doesn’t violate airline regulations. Rogue firms often do not have contracts with landowners, and some “moonlighting” is reportedly done from airport hotel car parks, where unsuspecting customers are instructed to leave their vehicles. The cars are then dumped on land beyond the airport perimeter, such as construction sites and fields.

Sussex Police told the paper: “Officers are aware of ongoing concerns in the local area about the practices of some parking providers. They continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including trading standards, to resolve these issues.”

The force’s warning comes after Gatwick Airport similarly advised passengers to be wary of rogue parking companies earlier this year.

West Sussex Airport car park manager Oliver Bedford said: “The challenge we face is that these operators can operate at the airport as long as they do not breach any of our regulations.

“Even though they have Gatwick in their name, there is no connection between these operators and the airport.”

He added that it is common for operators to open during busy holiday seasons before closing.