“ We’ve seen the consequences of letting carjackers run amok. Now we have a
choice to fix that terrible mistake.” — Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a
staunch opponent of efforts by blue- city politicians to reduce criminal penalties for violent crimes, stated: “We’ve seen the consequences of let- ting carjackers run amok. Now we have a choice to fix that terrible mis- take.”
Cotton noted that in more than two-thirds of all carjackings, the criminals who intimidate victims into handing over their car keys do so at gunpoint. For victim and perpe- trator alike, it’s a violation that can have fatal consequences. Carjackings in D.C. have jumped
over 100% and have been occurring this year at the rate of nearly three per day. The carjacking craze is part of a broader trend of increasing car thefts that many experts blame on restrictions on political interference and reduced criminal sentencing. FBI crime data indicates that U.S.
car thefts occurred at a rate of 221 per 100,000 individuals as recent- ly as 2019. That jumped to 246 per 100,000 in 2020, and spiked again to 283 in 2022. The spotlight on the carjack-
ing epidemic grew more intense in November, when U.S. Secret Service agents shadowing President Joe Biden’s eldest grandchild, Naomi Biden — the daughter of Hunter Biden — opened fire on several hood- lums trying to break into a govern- ment vehicle parked in Georgetown. Realizing they were outgunned, the suspects quickly fled. Police report the carjacking crime
wave is national, including: Baltimore police report over
10,000 vehicles were stolen in 2023. The crime is so common, the police department is handing out free wheel-lock devices.
In December, Baltimore police responded to three carjackings with- in 30 minutes. They occurred within half a mile of each other. Cops in San Antonio say over
17,000 cars were stolen in 2023. In December, several teens used a sto- len car to drive to a Walmart where they conducted another carjacking, holding a woman at gunpoint. That led to a high-speed chase
and a crash. Three teenage suspects were arrested. Chicago police reported seven carjackings over one 24-hour period last year. They report carjackings are twice as frequent as they were just five years ago. Seattle-Tacoma area police offi-
cers say they experienced an aver- age of 71 carjackings per day in September. Auto thefts in the state jumped 88% in 2022, according to the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Kias and Hyundais were especial-
ly vulnerable prior to recent software upgrades. So, what’s behind the carjacking
spree? The vehicles often end up in chop shops, where they’re broken down into parts and sold for profit. Sociologists also note that young criminals often commit acts they believe will increase their status and popularity. In other words, they’re saying that
teens forcing law-abiding citizens to hand over their car keys so they can squeal off for a joy ride with their fellow hoodlums is simply a popular criminal trend. “Crime is a policy choice,” Cotton remarked, “and the choice is sim- ple. If we put criminals behind bars, crime goes down. If we let criminals run amok, crime goes up.”
Protect Yourself A
wareness of your surroundings is the first step in staying safe, say
police and security experts. Say you’re walking from a mall to
your car and see a suspicious character lurking about. Do you keep walking and hope for the best? Or reverse course, head back inside, and ask for a security escort to your vehicle? Keen observation of your
surroundings is key. Other tips to protect yourself: Keep your car doors locked at all times. An unlocked door leaves you vulnerable, especially when your vehicle is stopped in trafic. Be sure to park in well-lit areas, preferably within sight of a security camera. Be wary of strangers
approaching your vehicle. They may have flyers, or ask for spare change, or claim to need directions. By leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you, you have a better chance of changing lanes and slipping away. No more good Samaritan stops to aid stranded motorists. Your altruistic instincts could have life-altering consequences. Instead, call local police and report what’s happened. Don’t fall for the fender- bender ruse. Usually, this is a bump from behind. Make sure no one in your vehicle is injured, activate your flashers, pull off to the side of the road, and stay in your car. Getting out of your car is too dangerous — especially in poorly illuminated or remote areas. If you’re not sure you’re safe, call 911. Keep an AirTag, Tile, or other
location device in your vehicle. If you do have to give up your car, it can help law enforcement track down your vehicle. — D.P.
FEBRUARY 2024 | NEWSMAX 15
KARL MERTON FERRON/BALTIMORE SUN/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE VIA GETTY IMAGES
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