Charleston International Airport reports several thefts from terminal, parking lots in 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — The summer travel season is heating up, and as that happens, new data obtained by News 2 shows the number of reported thefts at Charleston International Airport is on the rise.

Spencer Pryor, Chief Communications Officer for the Charleston County Aviation Authority said Memorial Day weekend will mark the start of the summer travel season for the airport. That means thousands of travelers will pass through the airport daily, as the airport is on track to see between 6.4 million and 6.5 million for the year.

At the same time, the number of reported thefts at Charleston International is up. Between February-May 2024 there were seven reported thefts from an airport building. There were also four reported thefts of car parts or accessories. During the same time frame in 2023, there were four reported thefts from the building and three reports of stolen car parts/accessories. There were also five reports of car thefts in 2023.

One passenger said when he is at the airport he tends to be on high alert and will take more safety precautions.

“Definitely ask a friend or family member if they’d watch my stuff,” he explained. “Would do that here more than anywhere else — but definitely more on high alert.”

While another traveler said it’s engrained in her to never leave her bags unattended, Pryor said the unexpected can always happen, especially with the stresses travel can bring.

“Sometimes it can just be forgetfulness, you end up saying ‘I’m gonna do that,’ and you may move to a different seat — or you just never know someone may come by and they may pick up that item,” he explained.

Pryor recommends passengers get to the airport about an hour and a half before their flight to ensure they have enough time to park and be mindful of their belongings. He also adds that travelers should ensure their cars are locked and no valuables are in sight.

“Then when you get inside of the terminal the key to it is to continue that safety awareness to make sure that you are with your bags and all your belongings stay along with you,” he said.

As for monitoring crimes, Pryor said there are cameras in place and officers patrolling the airport campus.

“One of the things you know we have our police officers there roving around the terminals, so if there is something — if you misplace or miss an item, you should contact our airport police,” Pryor advises. “Our police department — they regularly patrol the parking decks as well.”

However, he believes travelers play a big part in preventing crime too. He asks them if they see something, say something, and report it to airport police dispatch at (843)-767-1100.