Car Thefts on the Rise in the Washington, D.C. Area

Motor vehicle crimes in the Washington, D.C. are surging, causing concern for members of the community. Washington, D.C. native Janie Macklin is among the thousands of victims of car thefts. Earlier this year, she watched from inside a restaurant as an unidentified individual broke into her car and drove away.

“It was a rainy night. I went to get some take out,” Macklin said. “I was still watching the car, and I had pre-ordered everything, so it should have taken two seconds.”

Shocked, Macklin chased the car down the road while another customer of the restaurant called police. Macklin said that prior to the theft, she never expected to be a victim of a crime.

“I thought I live in a very safe area and that that wouldn’t happen to me, but I’m definitely a little

bit more precautious so that it doesn’t happen

again,” Macklin said.

The burden of paying for the damages, including a broken rear-view mirror, was heavy for Macklin. Following the theft, Macklin has taken more safety measures to ensure that it will not happen again. She now makes sure to lock her vehicle no matter how long she plans to be gone and is more alert during high-risk situations.

Macklin is aware of the uptick in crime in the area and said that many people around her have been affected. In addition to car thefts, she is more mindful of an overall increase in crime in Washington, D.C. She said that being a woman has only heightened these concerns.

“It’s definitely scary. I know as a woman specifically, me and my friends are scared to walk alone in D.C. and always have somebody around,” Macklin said.

Macklin said that she was disappointed regarding a lack of action from the police following the theft of her car. However, the Arlington County Police Department said that they are taking measures to prevent such crimes. Alli Shorb is spokesperson for the Arlington Police Department and said that the police department has advocated for what they call the 9 p.m. routine. At 9 p.m., the department urges residents and visitors to check that all vehicles, properties, and valuables are locked or stored away. In addition, they have released numerous press releases regarding the crisis.

“ACPD is very dedicated to pushing out press releases and information to the public to keep them informed as far and any national or local trends that we’re seeing, especially as it pertains to motor vehicle crimes,” Shorb said. “And of course, to kind of further that and make sure that we’re hitting that education piece.”

Police and community members are aware of the growing number of car thefts in the area. Like Macklin, anyone is at risk of becoming a victim.