ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – Thieves are targeting one of the busiest areas in Albuquerque for unsuspecting tourists. So what makes it a primary goal? Tourists are finally making their way back to the city, but some come out of their hotels and find their belongings – including their cars.
Hotels in an area with an ongoing problem of car break-ins and theft, in particular, according to Crime Map data. In the past six months, there have been at least 25 reports of thefts and break-ins at the hotel group west of the Albuquerque International Sunport, seven near the hotels south of Yale and Gibson, and 34 north of the intersection.
“It’s been a persistent problem for years,” said Imesh Vaidya, CEO of Premier Hospitality. “The concentration of hotels and the number of tourists concentrated in this small area offer them opportunities.”
Premier Hospitality oversees properties across the state. Vaidya says many hotels are taking their own measures to combat thieves.
“Most Albuquerque hotels have taken steps to protect our guests and their property,” said Vaidya. “Most airport hotels spend up to $ 2,000 a month just for their own safety. My hotels have a security fence that requires a key. “
Albuquerque Police say it doesn’t just hit areas near the airport. You see thefts in large parking lots in the subway, such as shopping malls and restaurants.
“We have a number of thefts that are being carried out in hotels very similar to those around town,” said Aaron Jones of APD. “Since there are a large number of these vehicles, the thieves will choose to go to these because it’s kind of a one-stop shop.”
Over the weekend, the Las Cruces High Marching Band’s truck with instruments and equipment was stolen from their hotel near the airport. They were lucky when the police found the truck later that evening with most of the equipment still inside.
“We are very grateful to the other bands, particularly Organ Mountain High School, La Cueva, New Mexico State University and UNM, for their support and equipment loan to keep the band going and competing,” said Michael Woods, president of the Las Cruces HS Band Parent Association. “It looks like most of our things are here, a few things seem to have gone away, but all in all I think this is a pretty good way to end the day.”
Others weren’t so lucky. The Acoma Buffalo Dance Group also fell victim to thieves in a hotel near the airport in the summer. However, the thousands of dollars in jewelry, moccasins, and more have not been recovered, preventing them from performing.
“There’s a lot of stuff in there that we need,” said Wynema Garcia, a grandmother of the dancers. “It is not only for our group, but also for our traditional activities.”
APD says they are succeeding in putting bait cars in these parking lots to catch the thieves. However, Vaidya says more needs to be done – like increased patrols.
“I think it gives them more reasons to target this particular area,” said Vaidya. “We have learned that we have to take measures to protect our guests and our staff into our own hands.”
Since none of their stolen items was found, the Acoma Hopi dance group set up a GoFundMe account. They estimate about $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 of their property was stolen.
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