Ways To Avoid A Carjacking: Minneapolis Police Provide Tips

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police continue to crack down on carjackings after the crime skyrocketed in the city last year. In 2020, there 405 reported carjackings in Minneapolis, a 301 percent increase over 2019.

Minneapolis police, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota State Patrol teamed up for a three-day joint operation that resulted in 46 arrests, including 69 felony-level charges.

Between Jan. 26 and Jan. 28, authorities found 15 firearms and 12 stolen vehicles, six of the vehicles were occupied at the time officers and deputies seized the vehicles, according to a news release.

"A few months ago, we ran a similar detail," Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson in a statement.

"We saw a reduction in these types of crimes. We promised our residents at that time that if necessary, we would run this public safety detail again. We continued to watch the data and listened to our residents. As you can see from these numbers, the need was there. The Minneapolis Police Department, and our law enforcement partners, continue to be committed to addressing violent crime that has impacted parts of this City."

Minneapolis police and the sheriff's office provided the following ways drivers can decrease the likelihood they'll be a victim of carjacking:

Park in well-lit areas

Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings

Equip your car with an anti-theft device

Lock your doors while driving

Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place once you’ve passed to call for help.