Dodge, Ram trucks among most stolen vehicles at Austin airport

Most San Antonians who choose to drive up to fly out of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) have no choice but to park their cars in the parking lot. Although purchasing a flight in Austin may be slightly cheaper than San Antonio, some people are paying the price with their cars. 

Over 130 vehicles have been stolen from AUS between February 2023 to February 2024, according to Austin Police data obtained by MySA. The most commonly stolen were Dodge vehicles, particularly Ram 1500 trucks. 

Last month, a Reddit user posted that their $100,000 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX was stolen from AUS’s blue parking garage. The news sparked a conversation on the platform among users who said Ram trucks were being targeted at the airport. MySA launched an investigation based on these claims which now confirms some of their suspicions. 

Austin police told KVUE that vehicle thefts around the airport jumped by 80% between 2022 and 2023. The Austin police data shows that nearly half, 20, out of the 43 Dodge Vehicles that were stolen were Ram 1500 PU. Other Dodge vehicle thefts included five Shelby and Charger cars, five Durangos, four Power Rams, and four Ram Chargers. 

Toyotas were the second most common vehicle brand stolen at AUS with 15 reported thefts, five of which were Camrys, and three each were Tacomas and Corollas. Ten Jeeps after 1989 were also stolen from AUS, including one Cherokee, two Grand Cherokees, and one Wrangler. Seven Ford vehicles including one of each Bronco models, Edge, Expedition, F150, F250, Flex, and Transit. 

Despite the trend of Kia and Hyundai cars being stolen nationwide, only one Hyundai and two Kias were reported stolen from the Austin airport. AUS provided the following statement on the recent thefts:

“AUS is aware of recent reports made to the Austin Police Department of vehicle theft happening at the airport. The airport works closely with the Austin Police Department to support their investigations and has security measures in place to monitor parking lots and garages. In response to community concern about thefts occurring at the airport, airport leadership has worked collaboratively with APD to increase APD presence in our lots and garages and we have directed our parking management provider, ABIA Parking, to increase surveillance patrols as well. Additionally, all parking lots and garages are equipped with CCTV cameras that monitor the operations 24/7.”

AUS passengers are encouraged to call the Austin Police Department (APD) or Airport Communications at (512) 530 – 2242 if they notice any suspicious behavior at the airport.