Taking a closer look at the dramatic rise in car thefts citywide, FOX45 is digging into one of the main factors driving the crime trend – a lack of consequences.
In 2023, the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) recorded more than 11,000 car thefts. That averages out to at least 30 cars stolen every day or more than 1 every hour.
At a press conference addressing the rise in crime last November, BPD announced that 692 auto theft arrests had been made so far that year. At the same time, 9,313 cars had been reported stolen, for a clearance rate of just 7%.
Meaning, if your car is stolen, statistically, there’s a 93% chance the thieves will never be caught.
“Generally speaking, I would say that these drivers who have stolen a vehicle, or in possession of a stolen vehicle, just simply flee from the police and that’s the end of it,” said Former Deputy Commissioner Jason Johnson.
Johnson explains why it’s such a difficult crime for law enforcement to solve.
“No matter how one feels about the BPD pursue policy, it does allow offenses like stolen vehicles to just drive away and not pull over and be apprehended,” said Johnson.
They need to be SHOT by Firing Squad !!!!!
Speaking of thieves. I can’t believe the fact that Brad Gillis called out the mayor in public for not playing ball and giving Gillis more free stuff isn’t getting more press.