Authorities are alerting travelers to a surge in car thefts linked to “unofficial” parking operators at major airports, particularly at Heathrow. In a recent incident, Terence Baxter and his wife faced a distressing situation when they returned from their holiday to discover their Volkswagen had been stolen while parked through a meet-and-greet service.
This alarming trend has prompted police and airport officials to advise caution when selecting parking solutions, especially those advertised at lower prices. Numerous travelers have reported vehicles being damaged, burglarized, or stolen while entrusted to these services. Some have even received penalty charge notices (PCNs) for parking violations, raising concerns about the reliability of these operators.
Rising Incidents of Theft and Fraud
Baxter’s experience began when he booked a three-week parking deal for £109 through a comparison website, Compare Your Parking. Initially, he selected a provider named Heathrow Park & Ride, but was later informed that his service would now be handled by Park At Airport Ltd. The couple dropped their car off at a location near the Heathrow Holiday Inn, only to learn upon their return that their vehicle had been stolen.
“I had to call them five times. Eventually, they informed me that my car had been stolen, along with seven others,” Baxter recounted. He is now pursuing a claim through his insurance, which has been classified as “at fault.” Baxter expressed frustration, stating, “I feel that I am being made to feel like the guilty party, while the car park company seems as if it can walk away and carry on trading with no consequences.”
Reviews of Park At Airport on Trustpilot indicate that Baxter is not alone. Customers have reported similar experiences involving vehicle theft, lost keys, and fines for parking breaches. In response, Park At Airport attributed the thefts to organized criminal gangs and stated that they are cooperating with ongoing police investigations. A spokesperson emphasized that they had implemented enhanced security measures following a recent security breach affecting a limited number of customers.
Authorities Respond to Growing Concerns
Sussex Police confirmed that they closed their investigation due to insufficient evidence but acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding the practices of certain parking providers. They are collaborating with other authorities, including trading standards, to tackle these issues effectively.
A comprehensive investigation last year by the consumer group Which? uncovered troubling practices among some airport meet-and-greet companies. Guy Hobbs, a travel expert with Which?, noted that “rogue operators are often prominently listed in search engine results,” making it easy for consumers to fall victim to scams.
Comparison sites, such as Compare Your Parking, reportedly have affiliations with unreliable parking firms. In Baxter’s case, his booking led to a provider with a name that closely resembled a legitimate service, obscuring critical details until the fine print was examined. Research revealed that many companies linked to these services had received negative reviews, detailing unsafe storage conditions and theft.
In response to the growing number of reported incidents, Heathrow Airport has joined a quality-control initiative launched by the British Parking Association. The approved meet and greet parking operator scheme (AM-GO) aims to vet parking operators and ensure they adhere to established codes of practice. Birmingham Airport has also signed on to this initiative.
Travelers are advised to conduct thorough research before booking parking services. Checking for the Park Mark logo, which signifies police-approved safety checks, can provide added assurance. Additionally, customers should be cautious if they encounter deals significantly cheaper than the market average, as these may indicate potential risks associated with the service.
As the holiday season approaches, both airports and law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance when choosing parking options.
