Carjacking Epidemic Plagues The City of Atlanta

Carjacking has become a major concern for residents throughout the city of Atlanta. These opportunity crimes are sporadic and display no pattern. It does not matter what part of the city you are in, carjacking victims’ ranges from Camp Creek subdivision to Lenox mall goers in Buckhead.

During a carjacking incident in 2016, a grandmother of two feared for the lives of her granddaughters when a man approached. He had a gun. Although the suspects are young, usually in their early teens, police offers still advise residents to be cautious. Evidence has found carjacking leads to other committed crimes including robberies, burglaries, or selling the stolen cars on Craigslist.

Queen Latifah was a recent victim of a carjacking incident in Atlanta. A passenger of a white BMW hopped inside and sped off with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 while pumping gas at a Shell station. Eventually, the car was found at an apartment complex off of McDaniel St.

The string of carjacking continues to plague Atlanta communities. There have been five carjackings alone at the BP on Cascade Rd in December. AAA Insurance stated most car-jackings happens at gas stations.

According to Atlanta crime stats, as of March 4, the total number of auto thefts reported in the city of Atlanta is 4, 213. Furthermore, carjackings decreased eight percent from last year’s 4,599. Police only arrested 89 suspects as a result of the carjackings.

South Fulton residents nudged community leaders to create dialect for solutions to the carjackings epidemic. Also, residents can do these few simple things to reduce their chances of becoming the next victim. Parking in an open area close to an entrance increases the visibility of you and your car. Make sure your car is secure and please, take your keys. Leaving your keys in the ignition is practically begging someone to take your car.

Police arrested 42 individuals in relations to carjacking. Not one of them prosecuted. A carjacking suspect in Buckhead wins a not guilty verdict near the end of 2016. Councilwoman Mary Norwood demands answers. Seems like the arrest was two hours after the carjacking. The jury claims evidence against the suspect were insufficient despite fingerprints and video surveillance.

Norwood was not the only politicians with concerns of the carjackings. Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. suggested gas stations and convenience stores need security. More importantly, the store is at risk of having their liquor license  suspended or revoked liquor without security present.

Consequently, Arrington’s father was the next victim in late December as well. His father car was jacked a few days later at the same BP on Cascade Rd. You figure after the third incident; the carjackings would deter the customers. Wonder if any city council candidates mention this reoccurring issue in their campaign.