Carjackers targeting luxury vehicles across the United States have been sending the stolen cars to a surprising location, aiming to increase profits while reducing the risk of being apprehended.Â
In recent years, the nation’s capital has emerged as an unexpected hub for stolen luxury vehicles, with Washington experiencing the highest rate of vehicle theft in the country in 2023, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
In response to the alarming carjacking rates in Washington in 2023, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) launched an undercover operation to apprehend an 18-year-old repeat offender suspected of collaborating with other teenagers.
A steering wheel lock of a car in Washington, D.C., in June 2023. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“These are organized rings, and they recruit people, and it’s much easier to recruit younger people when they know the penalties are so minor for getting caught,” Stoltmann said.Â
As carjacking incidents throughout the country continue to climb – with 1,020,729 reported incidents in 2023 – experts are discovering new methods being used by thieves.
RFID cloning disks or the Flipper Zero Device have the ability to replicate radio signals emitted by key fobs, with criminals using tracking devices to follow vehicles they are interested in stealing, according to the NICB.Â
“Vehicle crimes have surged across the nation since the start of the pandemic, especially in dense urban areas,” an NICB spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Even though this past year we’ve seen a 17% decrease in vehicle thefts, we’re still not yet at pre-pandemic figures, and some areas hit harder than others are still experiencing significant highs in all types of auto thefts.”
The NICB suggests drivers protect themselves and their cars by parking in well-lit areas, not leaving a running vehicle unattended, and calling law enforcement as soon as possible if their vehicle is stolen.Â
