Suspects sought for car rental thefts around Philadelphia Int'l Airport

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An investigation is underway into an organized stolen rental car ring.

Since January, there have been nearly 25 of these robberies at car rental agencies around the Philadelphia International Airport.

Police released a surveillance video showing how the operation works on Thursday.

In a number of the crimes, one of the suspects points a gun at the attendant before they drive off in a handful of stolen cars.

It's a trend the Philadelphia police say is growing rapidly.

"Well it's escalating, you can see it's escalating," said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore. "It's something we want to end very quickly."

According to investigators, thieves come to the airport in groups of two to six, knowing that keys are in the rental cars.

Then at the airport, the group uses various methods to steal the cars from the lots after gaining access.

"Some of these other ones, they would just crash right through the fence. That car would become disabled but the fence was open and they'd leave," Vanore said.

Police also say the individuals are believed to be between 16 to 22 years old.

Companies responded by upgrading security, which prompted thieves to use guns to get away.

Police say in recent weeks, five gun-point auto thefts have taken place.

Typically, the cars wind up somewhere in South Philadelphia. Investigators say 17 of the 23 cars that were stolen have been recovered.

Police are concerned that someone may be shot and injured if the crimes continue.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported at any of the previous crime scenes.

If you have any information on the thefts, contact Philadelphia police.