Major Increase In Carjackings In DC: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C. has experienced a major spike in carjackings this year, already eclipsing totals from the past seven years despite the fact that there are still more than four months left in the year.

The Metropolitan Police Department has recorded 163 carjackings in the District so far in 2018, according to a report from AAA. There were just 95 all of last year, and in the last seven years the most the city has had was 152 in 2011.

"At least 163 armed, unarmed, or attempted carjackings have occurred in the city so far in 2018, including at least eight police-reported carjacking incidents in July alone, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC)," the report states. "Rounding up the suspects, the police have summarily arrested and charged a number of perps in carjacking cases. Others have pled guilty and some are still on the prowl."

The report pointed to an incident where thieves brazenly carjacked a vehicle belonging to the girlfriend of District Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, which happened in broad daylight at a gas station on the 4th of July. And in April, someone carjacked a nun at gunpoint.

AAA offers the following advice for those driving in D.C:

Don’t be distracted. Driving in an unfamiliar area, using your cellphone and not watching the cues of the environment makes you a suitable target. Constantly pay attention, even in areas that you are familiar with. Always have your mobile phone handy – and charged.

• Stay prudently watchful while filling up your tank at self-serve gas kiosks at gas stations.
• Don’t stop at isolated ATMs, which might put you and your bank accounts, as well as your car in danger.
• Drive with company in the car, especially at night.
• Stick circumspectly to well-lit areas and space. Avoid parking in unfamiliar territory or in dark places.
• Never leave your motor running or your children unattended in your vehicle. It is an invitation for a carjacker to steal your car and abduct your child.
• Don’t be fooled by the ruse. “If a car bumps into the rear of your car, be cautious about getting out to inspect the damage. It might be a ruse. If an incident like this happens in a high-risk area, it would be safer to cautiously drive on to the nearest police station.”

Image via Metropolitan Police Department