Police in Maryland and D.C. have seen a gradual improve in carjackings for the reason that pandemic started final yr.
Police in Maryland and D.C. have seen a gradual improve in carjackings for the reason that pandemic started final yr.
They name it a criminal offense of alternative and imagine closures and life-style adjustments compelled by the coronavirus have contributed to the rampant rise in carjackings.
The shut of 2020 noticed carjackings up by 143% in D.C. in comparison with the yr earlier than, in response to D.C. police knowledge. Within the first month of 2021, Montgomery County had 11 carjackings and tried carjackings as in contrast with none in January 2020, mentioned Montgomery County Police Sgt. Rebecca Innocenti.
“So we expect, due to the pandemic, lots of people have been making the most of eating places that have been providing takeout, and , it was an ideal alternative for these suspects to strategy these individuals, as both they exited their automobile or got here again to their autos,” Innocenti mentioned.
A lot of them are youngsters who aren’t bodily at school and are with out after-school actions or sports activities to take part in as a result of well being considerations, Innocenti mentioned.
“We’re seeing youthful suspects, some suspects, not even of a driving age, and we’re seeing much more violence. So we’re seeing these suspects, assault these victims, and current handguns. And when these suspects are being arrested, they’re being discovered to be in possession of loaded handguns,” Innocenti mentioned.
Due to that, she advises anybody who finds themselves confronted for his or her automobile to provide the suspect what they demand after which instantly name 911.
“If somebody approaches you and calls for your keys, surrender your automobile. We don’t need individuals to withstand or to place up a struggle. It’s merely simply not price your security or your life,” Innocenti mentioned.
Six of the suspects arrested for carjackings that came about in January are dealing with costs, she mentioned.
Fairfax County, Virginia, although, has not seen the identical rise in carjackings.
“Between 11/01/2020 and 01/27/2021, there have been 4 carjacking’s countywide. We did apprehend a juvenile in January that’s believed to be linked to 2 of these offenses and aside from that, we now have not seen a big spike,” mentioned Fairfax County police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
In search of extra data? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are every releasing extra knowledge daily. Go to their official websites right here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.
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