DIA announces new security measures to tackle staggering car theft problem

DENVER — Officers with Denver Worldwide Airport introduced Wednesday a slew of recent safety measures, together with HALO Cameras, as they attempt to curb a rash of auto thefts from the airport’s parking heaps.

Practically 400 automobiles have been reported stolen from DIA parking heaps for the reason that starting of this yr to July 31, in accordance with DIA. And never solely automobiles, however catalytic converter theft at DIA has additionally considerably elevated.

On Wednesday, the airport, in partnership with the Denver Police Division, introduced new measures to handle auto and catalytic converter thefts inside the airport’s parking heaps, which incorporate greater than 40,000 public areas.

Based on a DIA press launch, the next methods are being applied:

• Elevated Safety Patrols and Excessive Impression Enforcement: DEN has considerably bolstered safety patrols inside its parking heaps, deploying contract safety personnel and Denver Cops. This elevated presence serves as a robust deterrent to potential criminals and supplies a direct response to any suspicious exercise.
• Excessive Exercise Location Statement (HALO) Cameras: In a transfer to boost surveillance capabilities, DEN is within the strategy of buying 15 HALO cameras, strategically positioned all through the parking heaps. These superior cameras are cellular and designed to watch high-activity areas, discouraging felony habits and enabling speedy response and video proof assortment in case of incidents.
• Expanded Digicam Protection: DEN can also be working to put in further everlasting safety cameras to offer full protection of all floor parking heaps. This complete digital camera community will additional fortify DEN’s safety infrastructure and assist in proactive monitoring.
• Stolen Automobile Alerts: DEN has built-in cutting-edge know-how that alerts safety personnel when stolen automobiles enter key places on airport property. This proactive method can assist in stopping additional felony actions as stolen automobiles are sometimes used for felony exercise and assists regulation enforcement businesses of their efforts to apprehend criminals extra rapidly.
• Extra Barrier: DEN can also be working with DPD to judge new limitations at key car parking zone places that may assist to stop criminals from leaving parking exit lanes and damaging gate arms.

“Our dedication to the protection and safety of our passengers, workers and their belongings is unwavering,” DEN CEO Phil Washington mentioned in a information launch. “DEN’s multifaceted technique is a testomony to our dedication to offering a secure surroundings inside our parking heaps. Via collaboration with regulation enforcement businesses and modern safety measures, we’re taking proactive steps to reduce auto thefts and damages.”

Regulation enforcement searches for options to DIA’s rising auto theft downside

DIA says the next initiatives have already been rolled out:

• Enforcement: Using the Denver Cops assigned to DEN and DPD’s newer Denver Auto Theft Group (DATT), up to now, roughly 15 suspects have been arrested for auto theft at DEN, whereas the DATT continues particular enforcement operations on the airport property.
• DENVERTRACK: Via the DenverTrack program, motorists can preauthorize police entry to their automobiles’ GPS for real-time monitoring within the occasion of theft. This modern method enhances the probabilities of swift restoration, suspect identification/apprehension and minimizes potential damages.
• Free Catalytic Converter Etching/Safety Kits: DEN, together with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), is providing free catalytic converter etching/safety kits to automobile house owners. This initiative goals to discourage theft and vandalism, offering an added layer of safety.
• Free Steering Wheel Lock Distribution: One other CATPA partnership initiative includes the distribution of free steering wheel locks. This straightforward but efficient measure prevents unauthorized automobile use and serves as a visible deterrent for thieves.

This announcement comes a number of months after Denver7 heard from many victims of auto and catalytic converter theft at DIA.