200-Plus Carjackings Reported In Philly This Year So Far

PHILADELPHIA — Carjackings in and around Philadelphia seem to be spiking, as more than 200 have been reported in Philadelphia this year so far.

Philadelphia Police Tuesday said they took Jonathan Akubu, 22, of Drexel Hill, into custody on charges of carjacking, murder, and related crimes.

Police allege Akubu is the ringleader of a regional carjacking group.

Carjackings have hit the suburbs hard too, including bizarre attempts like a January incident at the Willow Grove Mall.

In announcing Akubu's charges, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said as of Tuesday, 203 carjackings have occurred in the city.

According to data from Philadelphia Police, that figure is significantly higher than the number of carjackings this time in 2021 and 2020.

In 2021, the city saw 78 carjackings by Feb. 22 and in 2020 the number was even lower, at 34 by Feb. 22.

Overall, 2021 saw 757 carjackings and 341 in 2020, data shows.

Carjackings are not limited to the city, either.

Fox 29 reports Akubu is alleged by authorities to be tied to carjackings in Norristown, King of Prussia, Millbourne, and Chester County.

Additionally, authorities in Narberth announced a carjacking occurred earlier this week.

The spike in carjackings led Philadelphia Police in January to issue a flyer with tips on what to do in the event of a carjacking.

Tips include driving away immediately after starting vehicles, keep windows up and doors locked, keep a lookout for suspicious people loitering around before getting in or out of a vehicle, and park in well-lit areas.

Hotspots for carjackings are ATMs, gas stations, parking lots, parking garages, residential driveways, and poorly lit streets.

Police described one common carjacking scenario as a "bump and run," which means another vehicle will bump into the victim's, prompting the victim to get out of their vehicle. That's when another person will get into the victim's vehicle and drive off, police said. In these situations if you feel a threat, police say to stay in the vehicle, turn on your flashers, and signal to the other vehicle you're driving to the nearest police station.

Another common scenario targets delivery drivers, mostly those dropping off food. In that situation, the carjackers will make a delivery order and wait at the address for the driver to show up then steal their vehicle when they drop off the food.

Police said anyone confronted by a carjacker should hand over their car and leave the area. Victims should avoid verbal and physical confrontations and make mental notes of the carjacker's appearance and the description of any other vehicles involved.

If a child or children are in the vehicle, victims should tell the carjacker so, police said.

"We are going to continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who are unified in making Philadelphia a safer city, and we also need the public’s help in reducing these incidents," Outlaw said. "We ask that anyone who has any information about carjackings - or any violent crime - to share it with our Tip Line at 215-686-8477. You can remain anonymous. And as always, if you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911."