Criminals Using Rental Vehicles Target Daytona Beach
Stolen rental cars or suspects using rental cars to run from authorities are becoming more common in Daytona Beach, authorities say.
Law enforcement officials in Daytona Beach, Fla. say they’re seeing more criminals using and stealing rental cars, reports News-Journal Online.
In 2007, 27 rental vehicles were stolen in Daytona Beach, records show, while 19 were taken in 2008. Of those, 21 were found in 2007 and 18 were recovered in 2008. Four have been reported stolen in the city this year, reports the News-Journal Online.
Officials say the majority of the stolen rental cars come from an Enterprise Rent-a-Car located in a crime-ridden part of the city—zone 43.
Investigators are trying to determine the causes. Without a credit card, rental car agency policies generally require payment with a money order and documents to prove the renter’s identity and current address, such as the renter’s last two utility bills.
Volusia County Sheriff's Capt. Dana White, who has worked with Daytona Beach police to track down stolen vehicles, says stolen rental cars are becoming "too common all over the county," reports the News-Journal Online.
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