2020 saw carjackings up by over 143% in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area compared to the year before, according to D.C. police data. With people continuing to stay at home to lessen the spread of COVID-19, their vehicles are parked unattended on the streets, making them easy targets for thieves.
Washington D.C. Police have called the thefts “crimes of opportunity” and noted how perpetrators are younger, some not even old enough to drive. This is even more concerning when we look into what perpetrators may face if caught. According to Larceny Attorney David Benowitz:
“A person convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in DC could face up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $12,500: or both. If convicted a third time for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the punishment can be a fine of between $5,000 and $15,000, and a prison sentence of up to 15 years.”
Interestingly enough, Fairfax County, Virginia, has not seen the same rise in carjackings. According to Fairfax County Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, “Between 11/01/2020 and 01/27/2021, there were four carjackings county-wide.”
After hearing about the surge in D.C. compared to Fairfax County, Fairfax County resident Isaac Koduah is worried about the safety of his family.
“I'm not surprised that Fairfax County has different crime rates. But I'm still worried about my family because crime trends in Washington, D.C. always seem to trickle down to us in the suburbs eventually.”
As evidenced by the recent vehicle robbery at the Vienna Wawa parking lot. The vehicle, now recovered, was stolen around 12:35 a.m.at the 465 Maple Avenue West Wawa location. According to police, a delivery driver left his vehicle running in the parking lot while picking up food. The vehicle was believed to be stolen while he was in the store. Similar to crime reports in Washington D.C., the Vienna robbery, seems to have also been a “crime of opportunity.”
Police ask residents to remain vigilant by locking doors, removing keys from the vehicle, closing their windows, and parking in well-lit areas.