Ex-Avis Employee's 47-Vehicle Theft Highlights Rental Security Gaps

A 31-year-old former Avis Budget employee at Syracuse Hancock International Airport is accused of orchestrating a brazen scheme to steal 47 rental vehicles between June and August, authorities said Friday. The stolen cars, valued at over $1 million, were allegedly rented out across Onondaga County, with 42 of them recovered to date, according to an AP News report. Police identified the suspect as Milton W. Thompson III of Syracuse, who is now wanted on charges of grand larceny in the second degree and scheme to defraud in the first degree, according to a CNYBJ report.

The investigation by the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police Department revealed that Thompson, who no longer works for Avis Budget, led the theft operation. Authorities declined to specify how the vehicles were stolen, but emphasized that the scheme involved fraudulent rentals at multiple locations in the region, the AP report said. The airport authority confirmed that several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, facing charges related to unlawful use of motor vehicles, the CNYBJ report added.

Avis Budget has not yet issued a detailed public response, with a spokesperson stating only that the company is aware of the allegations and cooperating with police, the AP report noted. The thefts have raised concerns about internal security protocols at car rental agencies, particularly in high-traffic areas like airports. The stolen vehicles, including luxury and family-sized models, were reportedly distributed through private rental networks, complicating recovery efforts, according to an ABC News report.

The case underscores growing challenges in combating organized theft rings targeting rental fleets. Similar incidents have occurred in other U.S. cities, often involving insiders exploiting access to company systems. In this instance, the scale of the theft—nearly 50 vehicles in three months—has drawn attention from local law enforcement and industry regulators, U.S. News reported.

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about Thompson's whereabouts or the remaining stolen vehicles. The airport police department provided a contact number and email for tips, the CNYBJ report said. As of Friday, the investigation remains ongoing, with no immediate details on how long the scheme operated before detection.