“Last week, we introduced legislation to address recent crime trends; this week, we are equipping residents with technology that will allow MPD to address these crimes, recover vehicles, and hold people accountable,” Bowser said.

Browser pointed to other initiatives from the private security camera plan to the tire lock distribution program.

We will continue,” she said, “to use all tools we have and add new tools to keep our city safe.

This pilot program is part of the city’s strategic collaboration and multi-faceted approach, which combines legislation, community involvement and innovative technology to improve public safety and eliminate crime.

“Our goal is not just to prevent carjackings and motor vehicle thefts, but also to ensure swift law enforcement action when these incidents occur,” acting MPD Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement.

DC crime statistics revealed that so far in 2023, 827 vehicle thefts occurred, 74% of which involved firearms.

The data underscored that most of those arrested were under the age of 18.

Vernard Toney, a 13-year-old teenager was shot Saturday night when he allegedly attempted to steal a car from an off-duty federal security officer, who fatally shot him.

“Guns, carjackings, 13-year-olds: recipe for tragedy. And that’s what we have,” Bowser warned Monday.

Local press reports note that about 1,556 vehicle thefts were reported in Washington, D.C., in 2022.

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