Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) has become a hotspot for car thefts and break-ins, as revealed by an investigative report by KING 5 Seattle’s Chris Ingalls. Hundreds of travelers each year fall victim to car thieves and prowlers targeting hotels and parking lots around the airport, leaving both vehicles and victims at risk.
The Lure of Park-n-Fly Deals
The appeal of “park-n-fly” and “stay-n-fly” packages offered by hotels and motels near SeaTac lies in their competitive pricing compared to the airport’s $40 daily parking rate. However, these cost-saving options often come with hidden risks, as they have become prime targets for car thieves. As Chris Ingalls reports, travelers returning to find their vehicles missing or damaged has become an all-too-common scenario.
Victims Share Their Stories
Carol Olson, a resident of Snohomish County, is among the many victims of car thefts at these airport-adjacent lots. During a trip to Disneyland with her grandchildren, Olson parked her truck at the Seattle Airport Marriott, only to return and find it gone. “This back lot gets hit every other night,” a SeaTac police officer told Olson, captured in a bodycam recording. Her truck, used for criminal activities before being dumped, required $15,000 in repairs, all covered by insurance. “Something needs to be done,” Olson lamented, reflecting the frustration of countless other victims.
High Crime Locations Identified
Based on data from the King County Sheriff’s Office, the KING 5 Investigators pinpointed the worst offenders among airport hotels and parking lots. The Seattle Airport Marriott tops the list, with 94 car thefts and prowls reported in 2023 alone. The Seatac Doubletree and the Ramada Inn follow closely, with 45 and 58 vehicle crimes reported, respectively. These statistics paint a grim picture for travelers seeking convenient parking options.
Car Thieves Exploit Security Gaps
Despite apparent security measures, such as cameras and gates, car thieves continue to exploit weaknesses. Piper Log, another victim, expressed disbelief when her truck was stolen from the Marriott’s lot despite visible security features. “You have to have a ticket to get in and out,” she noted, only to learn that thieves often tailgate paying customers to bypass the gates. To add insult to injury, Log was charged for parking in the very lot from which her vehicle was stolen.
The Human Impact
The repercussions of these thefts extend beyond financial losses. Victims like Christianna Clinton face severe consequences, such as the threat of returning to homelessness. Clinton’s car was broken into, with her windshield shattered, costing nearly $400 – money she couldn’t afford to spare. “It was a month’s worth of groceries for us,” Clinton shared, highlighting the broader impact of these crimes on individuals’ lives.
Stolen Cars Fuel Further Crime
Stolen vehicles frequently become tools for committing additional crimes, exacerbating the problem. Ingalls’ report cites an incident at the Marriott where a thief stole a handgun from a vehicle, illustrating how these thefts can escalate into more dangerous criminal activities. SeaTac’s parking lots, where cars are left unattended for extended periods, present an irresistible opportunity for car thieves.
The Role of Airport Parking
Even SeaTac’s own parking garage is not immune to crime, with 359 thefts and prowls reported in the past year. Surveillance footage shows brazen thieves breaking into vehicles and piggybacking through exit gates. These incidents underscore the need for heightened security and vigilance, both within and around the airport premises.
A Glimpse of Hope
Despite the bleak situation, some businesses have taken proactive measures to deter crime. Ava Muasau, manager of Motel 6 on 188th Street, has implemented new security measures and fostered a vigilant staff culture. The motel’s efforts have resulted in fewer vehicle crimes compared to other establishments in the area, demonstrating that increased diligence can make a difference.
Police and Community Response
SeaTac police are acutely aware of the ongoing issue, with two detectives dedicated to investigating car thefts. Plans to introduce a new license plate detection system may offer some hope in tracking stolen vehicles. However, as Ingalls points out, travelers often don’t report thefts until days or weeks after the fact, leaving police with cold cases that are challenging to solve.
“You Would All Stop Paying Taxes”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “If they report the number of home invasions last night. You would all stop paying taxes”
Another commenter added: “Some of the security folks at the hotels are probably tipping off the thief’s.”
One person said: “Some day, an actual hotel guest will get hurt by one of these criminals. And then there will be a multimillion dollar lawsuit that will finally get the hotel’s attention and force them to provide real security. When you know there’s a significant recurring problem and you do nothing, you are taking on a huge liability”
A Persistent Problem
As Chris Ingalls’ investigation reveals, the SeaTac area faces a persistent and troubling problem of vehicle thefts and break-ins. While some establishments have made strides in improving security, the onus remains on travelers to safeguard their vehicles and belongings. As this issue continues to impact countless individuals, it calls for increased awareness and collaboration between law enforcement, businesses, and the community to find effective solutions.
Protecting Vehicles
What are your thoughts? What steps can travelers take to protect their vehicles from theft while using “park-n-fly” services? How can hotels and parking lot operators enhance security measures to reduce vehicle-related crimes? What role should local law enforcement play in addressing the growing issue of car thefts near airports?
To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full video on KING 5 Seattle’s YouTube channel here.
