$80k Corvette stolen from parking garage at Memphis airport

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A Lakeland man says a short business trip out of the state cost him his $80,000 sports car.

The owner of a 2017 Corvette Grand Sport said he parked his car on the fifth floor of the economy lot at Memphis International Airport on July 31, and when he returned five days later, it was nowhere in sight.

“The spot has another vehicle in it and glass all around it,” he said.

The owner, who didn’t want to be identified, said he bought the Corvette for $80,000 in 2017, and it’s now worth around $56,000.

He said just after midnight Saturday, the car was caught on surveillance cameras being driven out of the parking deck by a car thief. Airport police have not released the footage because they say it is part of an ongoing investigation.

“I asked them for any video because the car is parked under a camera, and they said they couldn’t give me any copies of the videos unless I had a lawyer subpoena them,” he said.
“I don’t know how they got the car out, but generally speaking, one of the investigators told me what they do is they have another car, and then they just follow the car out in front of them.”

According to the Memphis Police Department, there have been 6,711 car thefts or attempted car thefts in the city so far this year compared to 10,053 during the same period in 2023.

Nearly 12,555 motor vehicle thefts were reported for the entire year, and nearly 10,000 in 2022.

The Corvette owner said he’s been in the Memphis area less than two years and had no idea how bad the car theft problem was. He said people are scared to drive their automobiles around town.

“People will drive the worst car they have to avoid it being stolen or having trouble with somebody while they’re out,” he said. “What I’m finding out is that the airport is telling me this is not the first car that has been stolen off that deck.”

Glenn Thomas, the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications for Memphis International Airport, said MAPD continues to work diligently to ensure the safety of passengers and employees.

“Recent security enhancements include increased police and security presence, added lighting, and additional video cameras. We will continue to review our security efforts and make adjustments as needed,” said Thomas.

Thomas said he did not know how many automobiles had been stolen from the airport this year. If you have seen the Corvette Grand Sport or know where it is, contact MAPD at 901-922-0392 or CrimeStoppers at (901)528-CASH.

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