Car Thefts Up During Lockdown

While many police departments are reporting lower rates of most crimes during the coronavirus stay-at-home order, auto thefts have increased in several urban communities.  Scottie Andrew of CNN reports that in  Seattle car thefts have jumped by 24%.  Los Angeles saw an 11.3% increase.  But while auto thefts have increased by 53% in New York City over the past 28 days, some other crimes have also increased in the Big Apple.  According to NYPD Chief Terence Monahan, homicide and burglary have also increased by 5.7% and 21% respectively.    Perhaps the elimination of bail this year and the Mayor’s decision to release inmates to protect them from the virus in NYC had something to do with this.