Holiday travel warning: $5M worth of cars stolen from major US airport by organized theft ring, report says

A well-structured theft operation involving a minimum of 14 members across the country is alleged to have stolen vehicles worth close to $5 million from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport between 2023 and November 2024. This information was revealed in a search warrant accessed by a local news outlet.

According to the affidavit obtained by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, officials stated, “Approximately 14 suspects have been identified… the suspects in this group have stolen approximately 52 cars from DFW, for a total loss of $4.9 million.”

In response to these events, the DFW Airport informed Fox News Digital that “airport police have recently made notable arrests that have disrupted organized crime rings and significantly decreased the number of reported car thefts at DFW.”

“In 2023 there were a total of 142 vehicle thefts reported in the terminal areas at DFW. Through November 2024 there were only 60 cars reported stolen, which is a reduction of nearly 58% year-over-year,” a DFW Airport spokesperson said in a statement. “Police are generally seeing thieves target high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs. As has been reported extensively, auto theft is an unfortunate national issue that airports and other public facilities across the country are confronting.”

Petrino similarly said members of a theft ring “have specific roles: some handle scouting, others manage the technical aspects of reprogramming, and others handle transportation and resale of stolen vehicles.”

They also operate “in multiple jurisdictions,” Petrino explained, “making them harder to track and prosecute.”

cars parking lot california

Aerial view of vehicles at a parking lot on Aug. 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. ( Qian Weizhong/VCG via)

Because these organized theft rings operate across state lines, expert coordination is needed among law enforcement entities to track down suspects, he added. On top of that, police departments “often lack the resources to dedicate to complex, multi-state investigations, especially if the thefts are part of a larger criminal enterprise,” Petrino said.

Brown similarly explained that to combat these theft rings, like targeting bigger threats, local, state and federal authorities need to join forces.

“This collaboration helps tie all the pieces together and disrupt the entire theft network. It’s not an easy task, but with persistent teamwork and resource sharing, law enforcement can weaken these rings and protect travelers,” the former Green Beret said.

The case is under investigation. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is aware of the theft ring and is assisting DFW Airport Police with their investigation, the Bureau told Fox News Digital.

You May Also Like
Speaker Johnson suffers a defeat in his push to block parents in the U.S. House from proxy voting

Speaker Johnson faces a setback in his attempt to prevent parents in the U.S. House from voting by proxy.

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson suffered a significant defeat on Tuesday…
Meghan Markle reveals the eyebrow raising price of her jam

Meghan Markle shares the surprisingly high cost of her jam

Meghan Markle’s jam will cost up to £10.82 for a jar as…
Travis Kelce reacts to brother Jason and Kylie's baby news as NFL star becomes an uncle for fourth time

NFL Star Travis Kelce Responds to Brother Jason and Kylie’s Baby Announcement, Welcomes Fourth Niece or Nephew

Travis Kelce has broken his silence on the birth of his fourth…
American Airlines plane fills with smoke as it comes in to land forcing passengers to flee cabin

Passengers forced to evacuate as American Airlines plane fills with smoke during landing

An American Airlines plane filled with smoke shortly after it landed, forcing…
Police in Springfield Township in Delaware County, PA searching for 3 suspects in assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

Authorities in Springfield Township, Delaware County, PA are looking for three suspects involved in an assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pa. — Police in Delaware County, Pennsylvania are looking for…
Number of Tesla attacks soars past 50 as violence targeting Musk's company escalates

Tesla has been the victim of more than 50 attacks as violence against Musk’s company intensifies

The number of reported assaults on Tesla cars, dealerships, and charging stations…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward alderman pick

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Endorses Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward Alderman”

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel…
Orland Park, IL 2025 election results: Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau concedes to challenger Jim Dodge, buoyed by Arab American vote

“Orland Park, IL 2025 Mayoral Election: Challenger Jim Dodge Wins Over Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau with Support from Arab American Community”

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Orland Park is getting a new mayor…
Suspected California Walgreens killer had 'grudge' against pharmacies, police say

Police indicate that the individual suspected of the Walgreens shooting in California harbored resentment towards pharmacies.

The suspected gunman who opened fire inside a California Walgreens on Tuesday…
Shocker: Covenant School Shooter Final Report Released - Attack Was Plotted for Years

Surprising Revelation: Final Report on Covenant School Shooter Unveiled – Attack Was Planned Over Several Years

The Nashville police have published their conclusive findings regarding the investigation of…
Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65

“Remembering Val Kilmer: Talented Actor Known for Intense Performances in ‘Top Gun’ and Batman Passes Away at 65”

Val Kilmer, the actor known for his roles as Iceman in “Top…
Employees Locked Out and Executives Sent to Indian Reservations As the Purge at HHS Hits Its Stride

Staff Unable to Access Premises and Senior Managers Relocated to Native American Lands During Ongoing Clean-up at Health Department

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began the first phase…