FORT MYERS, Fla. — Three men were arrested for attempting to steal two high-end cars from Hertz Car Rentals at Southwest International Airport on Wednesday.
Police say Jarious Gardner, Patrick Silfrain, and Miclaude Petion conspired to steal a Jaguar and Range Rover by using fake I.D.s and credit cards. They also planted an escape car at the Rental Car Return Loop for their escape.
Lee County Port Authority Police Chief Shawn Chamberlain says this type of crime is common at airports because they are always open.
"This type of activity is happening around the area, and it does happen from time to time, it is somewhat of a cyclical crime," he said.
Chamberlain says Sarasota, Tampa and Palm Beach were also experiencing rental car theft at airports. Fox 4 learned the men were part of a ring working with other groups across the state.
"That is fairly typical; they do try to get more than one vehicle from what we've seen in the past… I guess to make it worth their while when they come out here," Chamberlain said.
All three were arrested and taken to Lee County Jail.
