Alarming Rate of Auto Thefts in Baltimore City
Baltimore City is facing an alarming rate of auto thefts, with the number of car thefts increasing across the city. According to a report by WBAL-TV 11 News, the city is seeing a significant rise in vehicular crime, with juvenile car thefts increasing by 542% in Baltimore County alone.
The rise in auto thefts is not just limited to Baltimore City. Auto thefts and carjackings have spiked in major U.S. cities, with more than 936,000 vehicle thefts reported in 2021, a 27% increase since 2019, according to a report by CBS News. The West had the highest rates of auto thefts, while Puerto Rico and Florida saw the biggest declines.
Hundreds of Cars Visible at Baltimore City Impound Facility
The alarming rate of auto thefts in Baltimore City has resulted in hundreds of cars being impounded by the city. The Baltimore City impound facility currently holds hundreds of cars, many visible from the street.
The impounded cars include luxury vehicles, SUVs, and sedans. The increase in auto thefts has resulted in more and more cars being impounded, with the city struggling to keep up with the influx of stolen vehicles.
The rise in auto thefts has also increased insurance claims for catalytic converter theft, defined as the unlawful removal of a catalytic converter from a motor vehicle’s exhaust system. The rise in catalytic converter theft has led to automakers and insurance companies to take steps to prevent the robberies, including the use of anti-theft technology.
Police in Baltimore City and across the country are urging car owners to take preventative measures to protect their vehicles, including locking their cars, removing valuables, and parking in well-lit areas. The rise in auto thefts is a concerning trend that is affecting cities across the country, and car owners need to take steps to protect their vehicles.
