PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – An attempted car hijacking aimed at a Philadelphia police officer is under investigation as officials say crime has increased in the city over the past two years. This happened in the Ogontz neighborhood around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday night.
The department said Officer Chevy Malibu was in the back of a white Honda near Ogontz and Olney Avenues. The officer on duty followed the car until it drove into Lower Merion.
Police later found the Honda and two suspects in Overbrook.
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw issued the following statement about the increased number of car capsules in the city.
There is no single issue that is more important to me or the members of the Philadelphia Police Department than to fight the violent crime that continues to plague our city.
The onslaught of violence taking place in Philadelphia is completely unacceptable and we remain committed to curbing these trends.
One of the more disturbing trends that we have seen in Philadelphia is the astonishing increase in the number of car capsules – the takeover of a vehicle by force or fear – that has been experienced over the last two years.
We recognize the fear and insecurity that these incidents bring, as the victims in these cases have affected almost all demographic groups.
It is clear that car capsules are a crime of opportunity, and it is possible that a change in our daily routines – such as increased use of vehicles for delivery, curb services and carpooling has provided increased opportunities for criminals. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has normalized mask wearing, and it has given offenders additional opportunity to avoid catching the attention of their victims, as well as making it more difficult to identify the perpetrators.
We also know that this trend is not unique to Philadelphia, as similar increases have been seen across the country in the same period.
Last year, there were 757 reported car scraps in Philadelphia, an increase of 34% over 2020. Out of the 757 reported car scraps, police arrested 150 people, clearing 93 investigations through these arrests.
Although we can expect more arrests and case approvals in the future, we recognize that these statistics are not close to where we need them, and efforts are being made to minimize these incidents.
In short, the PPD has deployed additional resources to investigate these incidents and apprehend offenders. This includes plainclothes officers deployed to targeted areas and an operational Task Force dedicated to combating car capsules in the city.
In addition, each PPD detective department, as well as our major crime unit, which investigates crimes and trends, has assigned detectives to investigate patterns, hotspots, and develop car capsule intelligence. Our intelligence office also collects information from multiple sources, participates in the mutual exchange of information with our law enforcement partners, and identifies locations, trends, and patterns associated with car capsules in the city. Along with our efforts, the Attorney General’s Office assists in investigating car capsules in Philadelphia while providing additional investigation technology to our department.
We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, who are united in making Philadelphia a safer city, and we also need the help of the public to reduce these incidents. We ask anyone who has information about car capsules – or any violent crime – to share them with our tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. And as always, if you need immediate help, please call 911.
Please see our tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Take care of yourself.
The incident Wednesday night is still under investigation.
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