130 car keys stolen from airport parking firm
FOUR VEHICLES STOLEN – AS NEWS KEPT FROM CUSTOMERS ‘SO HOLS AREN’T RUINED’
MORE than 130 car keys have been stolen from a meet and greet parking firm used by Manchester Airport passengers – and four vehicles snatched.
Up to 50 holidaying families aren’t aware of the theft yet, according to bosses at Car Park Manchester.
They said they were keen ‘not to ruin’ people’s trips. Other companies are also believed to have been hit, according to bosses at the firm.
Car Park Manchester, which offers a meet and greet-style service, is not affiliated with Manchester Airport.
Bosses said keys were stolen from the firm’s depot in Altrincham, Trafford. Four cars have since been taken.
Dozens of holidaymakers are returning to the UK to discover their keys – or worse, their cars – are missing. On Monday afternoon, ‘up to 50’ customers had yet to be informed of key thefts, Car Park Manchester said.
The director of the firm, which is also known as Manchester Car Park, has apologised.
Sultan Khan said staff withheld the crime from customers until they landed in Manchester so as ‘not to ruin their holidays.’ He said he believed the keys were stolen by a criminal gang, who then returned to steal cars.
Mr Khan claimed ‘at least’ two other parking firms nearby had been targeted.
Police said four Mercedes, including a £45,000 AMG, have gone missing from a car park – understood to be used by another firm – on Altrincham Road in Styal, Cheshire.
The M.E.N. has been unable to establish if those thefts relate to a meet and greet business.
Car Park Manchester said security at its site, on the grounds of Davenport Green Hall in Altrincham, has been boosted to prevent more thefts.
Mr Khan said: “Seven weeks ago an organised crime gang came into this area and started nicking car keys.
“On August 17 they used a special tool and got through three doors to steal more than 100 keys.
“Thieves have been on site every night since trying to steal cars.”
Mr Khan said the first two vehicles were stolen when gang members were ‘testing out’ the site prior to the major break-in.
Bosses have now put extra security staff in place and say they have secured the remaining cars affected.
Mr Khan added: “We are extremely sorry for the distress caused to our customers by this criminal gang’s activities.
“However, we have not spared any expense to get our customers safely home and have paid for any costs they have incurred. We are fully insured and we are probably the most secure independent car park at Manchester Airport.
“But we are not geared up for organised criminal gangs, who have been planning this for months.”
Mr Khan said he was considering contacting customers yet to be informed of their missing car keys.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers are investigating the thefts of ‘more than 130 keys’ and four cars from the Davenport Green Hall site in Altrincham.
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and drink driving has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information on either of the thefts is asked to call police on 101 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
For reports relating to the Styal incident, quote incident number 892 of August 16.