Holiday travel warning: $5M worth of cars stolen from airport, report says
A sophisticated theft ring with a nationwide presence has been uncovered, accused of stealing nearly $5 million worth of vehicles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport over a span of two years. According to a search warrant obtained by local news, at least 14 individuals are believed to be involved in the operation, which targeted high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs.
The ring, which is alleged to have targeted airports across the Western United States, used Autel devices to reprogram key fobs and bypass modern security systems. The alleged ringleader, Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, along with two others, was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July on charges related to possession of a stolen vehicle and other offenses. During the arrest, police recovered a backpack containing blank car key fobs and other evidence of a coordinated stolen car operation.
The DFW Airport has reported a significant reduction in car thefts following the arrests, crediting the efforts of airport police in disrupting organized crime rings. However, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office is assisting in the investigation, as it is believed that there may be additional suspects involved in the theft ring.
Experts in security and law enforcement emphasize the need for collaboration among local, state, and federal authorities to combat organized crime networks like this theft ring. By working together and sharing resources, law enforcement agencies can disrupt the entire theft network and protect travelers from falling victim to these sophisticated operations.
As investigations continue and efforts to dismantle the theft ring are underway, it serves as a reminder to travelers to take precautions when parking at airports or other public facilities. By parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, removing valuables, and ensuring that security systems are activated, individuals can help reduce the risk of becoming targets for organized theft rings.
