After seeing a 28% increase in car thefts during the first half of this year, Denver International Airport officials announced several new safety measures they said would minimize thefts and damages.

The airport has seen 378 vehicles reported stolen from its lots this year as of July 31, according to a Wednesday news release; that’s of the more than seven million vehicles that have parked at DEN’s 51,000 parking spaces across their 53-square-mile property.

The concentration of long-term parking led to the increase in thefts at DIA while the rest of the city saw a decrease, law enforcement officials said in June, and the airport’s new measures in partnership with the Denver Police Department are meant to stop that increase.

“Our commitment to the safety and security of our passengers, staff and their belongings is unwavering,” DIA CEO Phil Washington said. “DEN’s (DIA’s) multifaceted strategy is a testament to our dedication to providing a safe environment within our parking lots. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and innovative security measures, we are taking proactive steps to minimize auto thefts and damages.”

Security patrols have increased from both contracted security personnel and Denver police officers to serve as a deterrent to potential criminals and provide immediate response and “high-impact enforcement” to suspicious activity.

An airport spokesperson did not provide a timeframe for the implementation of the rest of the new measures.

One such measure will use “cutting-edge technology” to alert security personnel when stolen vehicles enter key locations on airport property in an effort to prevent further criminal activity. Law enforcement officials say already-stolen vehicles are often used for criminal activity.

Several new camera measures are also in the works.

DIA is in the process of acquiring 15 HALO, or High Activity Location Observation cameras, strategically placed mobile cameras designed to monitor high-activity areas, discourage criminal behavior and enable rapid response and video evidence collection.

The airport spokesperson did not answer how these cameras or the new alert system would work “to prevent too much information being available and tipping off potential thieves.”

Additional permanent security cameras to provide complete coverage of lots are also being installed.

Finally, DIA is evaluating the placement of new barriers at parking lot locations to prevent criminals from leaving parking exit lanes and damaging gate arms.

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