Carjackings in US capital have more than tripled since 2018: Data

By Cahit Oktay

WASHINGTON (AA) - The number of carjackings in the US capital has tripled since 2018, according to statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The statistics reveal that in 2018, there were 20 reported carjackings in Washington, D.C., whereas the number rose significantly to 79 during the months of April and May.

Data on the MPD's website indicated that monthly carjacking incidents in Washington stood at 21 in July 2019 but surged to 66 in November 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number of carjackings in the capital increased to 63 in January 2022, and it was found that the lowest number did not fall below 28 in March and May.

Carjackings in Washington have increased significantly from 2018 to 2023, with the total number reaching 327 by mid-year.

During this period, 72% of the carjacking incidents involved the use of a weapon, with a total of 43 individuals being arrested.

The data further indicated that the majority of car theft offenders have an average age of 15 years, and disturbingly, some youth as young as 12 years old have been involved in these crimes.

Last month, Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety in Washington, D.C.

They include enhancing penalties for violent crimes that target vulnerable residents with physical or mental impairments as well as expanding protections for transit and for-hire vehicle employees, transit passengers and individuals at recreational centers.