Read the full story on The Auto Wire
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but we must warn readers that airport parking lots are fertile hunting grounds for thieves. The problem seems to be increasing in many areas, but most often the thieves steal entire vehicles or at least take the wheels, leaving someone’s ride on cinder blocks. However, two Florida men decided they would instead troll the airport parking lots and steal the headlights from Jeep Wranglers.
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22-year-old Jonathan Quintero and 25-year-old Diogenes Morel Martinez, who are referred to in an official press release from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office as the “Jeep Creepers,” allegedly pulled off this Jeep Wrangler headlight theft stunt, along with wiping out some grilles the platforms, several times in recent months. However, on the afternoon of September 16, their crime spree was cut short by law enforcement.
Detectives were on scene at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when they witnessed Quintero and Martinez steal both the headlights and grilles from two Jeep Wranglers in the long-term parking lot.
From there, detectives followed the pair as they left the airport and headed to Sawgrass Mills Mall in an attempt to steal more Jeep headlights. Then both were arrested and allegedly confessed to the thefts.
Investigators believe these two stole the headlights and grilles from dozens of Jeeps that have been sitting in the parking lot of FLL, Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport for several months.
Not to congratulate these guys, but stealing smaller but admittedly expensive items from Jeeps is quite ingenious, especially since many Wrangler owners have moved on to even more expensive aftermarket equipment. We’re glad the police caught them, but we know these kinds of plans always pose a threat.
Wherever vehicles sit for hours or days without being driven, there is a risk of thieves hunting for easy scores. This is why not only airport parking lots/structures, but also hospitals, shopping malls, cinemas, universities, sports arenas, etc. all carry some risk of theft. That’s why we like to take an Uber or have a friend drop us off at the airport.
Images via Broward County Sheriff’s Office
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