Brits returning from holidays have discovered their cars have been driven thousands of miles while they were away.
Cowboy parking firms near Manchester Airport are now the centre of a probe following a deluge of complaints about cars parked on residential streets and muddy fields.
While these unscrupulous firms cause congestion on nearby streets, they also create havoc for the holidaymakers returning from their travels to find their vehicles have been driven without their knowing, damaged or even targeted for theft, Manchester Evening News reported.
Insp Andrew Baker, from Cheshire Constabulary whose force covers the neighbouring village of Styal, outlined the scale of the problem.
Have you fallen foul of an airport car parking firm? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
He said: “When booking airport car parks people often go for the cheapest option – but sometimes this isn’t the best choice.
“Here in Cheshire, we have received a number of complaints from residents in relation to rogue parking companies which are operating near Manchester Airport.
"These companies claim to be secure car parks which are affiliated to the airport. In reality, the vehicles are often stored in insecure muddy fields.
“As a result, we have had reports of vehicles being damaged or even having parts stolen. In other cases, we’ve been contacted by people who’ve returned home to find their vehicles have been driven thousands of miles while they’ve been on holiday.
“While we are committed to working closely with our partners to tackle these issues, it’s essential that holidaymakers play their part.
“I would urge anyone who is going on holiday and looking to book a parking slot, to do their research, choose a reputable company and always book through an official website and don’t just go for the cheapest option.
"Otherwise your car may be touring the UK while you are travelling the world.”
Manchester Airport has now teamed up with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council to tackle ‘inconsiderate and illegal parking’ around the hub.
Residents in local area Wythenshawe and holidaymakers have been complaining about rogue firms for years.
One homeowner in Wythenshawe said: "We see these dodgy firms parking cars all the time and it doesn't feel like the airport is actually doing anything at all. Ringway is so congested - and after lockdown it's even more noticeable."
The latest crackdown follows the launch of Operation Cicero in June, a police-led mission of enforcement against dodgy parking firms.
It comes as Manchester Airport prepares for its busiest month since 2019, with travellers urged to ensure they are booking parking with reputable firms.
Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, insisted he was taking rogue meet and greet firms 'very seriously'.
"In addition to our own official parking, there are a number of reliable and reputable third-party providers located near the airport and we would always urge passengers to do their research before handing over their keys," he said.
“We encourage customers to use initiatives such as Park Mark and the government-backed Buy with Confidence scheme to find a provider that has undergone a series of detailed checks and is committed to trading fairly.”
Park Mark is a Police Crime Prevention Initiative designed to tackle crime in parking facilities, with more than 5,000 accredited car parks in the UK.
Buy With Confidence is a government scheme listing providers vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.
The airport, Manchester City Council and police bosses are urging passengers to use these schemes when selecting which company to use.
