So far this year, more than 1,400 cars have been reported stolen across Minneapolis, a jump of nearly 28% compared to the same period last year.
MINNEAPOLIS — A troubling trend is hitting Minneapolis streets once again. Car thefts are on the rise and police say thieves are now using new technology to make off with vehicles in a couple minutes.
So far this year, more than 1,400 cars have been reported stolen across the city, according to the Minneapolis Police Department’s crime dashboard, a jump of nearly 28% compared to the same period last year. Investigators believe much of the spike is driven by thieves who are stealing cars without ever needing the keys.
MPD says thieves are now using key programmers, which is what a locksmith would use to make a new car fob for someone. These can be purchased by anyone, and can turn a blank fob into fob for nearly any vehicle you like. MPD says recently, a 13-year-old was arrested after stealing a vehicle. Officers recovered a gun an an apparent key programmer.
Locksmith Andrei Damian, who owns The Key Doctor, demonstrated how easily these devices can be misused. “Once you’re inside the car, you just plug in, read the VIN, and the programmer writes a new key,” Damian said.
MPD says in addition to ongoing KIA and Hyundai thefts, there has been an increase in thefts of luxury, high-performance vehicles, including SRT versions of Stellantis vehicles such as Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler. MPD says crime data indicates a relatively small group of suspects may be responsible for many of the cases, and they hope arrests will lead to a significant drop in thefts.
A steering wheel lock is one of, if not the best, deterrents. Also, park in a garage if possible, and never leave your keys or valuables inside the car.
