Juvenile carjackings increase by 238% in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The 2023 Cambridge town hall report shows carjackings are on the rise in the area.

Motor vehicle thefts have increased by 238% since 2022 according to Cambridge police, the common suspects, juveniles. “It’s extremely dangerous to have children out there that do not have a driver’s license they never been behind the wheel or vehicle they’re stealing cars and not realizing the dangers and the laws that they’re breaking,” said Chief Justin Todd.

Cambridge Police Department reported that one 12-year-old was arrested 11 times for car theft. Chief Justin Todd called this not only a crime but a safety threat. “It creates a danger for them it creates a danger for the rest of the public pedestrians bike riders and other motor assists on the world way from being able to control their actions,” said Chief Todd.

Chief Todd says this is a continuous issue he is seeing following the Juvenile Reform Law of 2022. “Children know that this law is out there the words out and they’re going out committing these crimes and they’re getting taken in custody by us and released to their guardian with no consequences whatsoever,” said Chief Todd.

Chief Todd says until an amendment is made – kid car thefts will continue to happen. To keep kids off the street the local Boys and Girls Club conducts programming, something both parents and kids are proud to be a part of. “They appreciate having to come to the club, so they know that a lot of things that they’ve seen in the community have been negative and their parents don’t want them around that. Statistics have shown that as many kids that are involved in after-school programs, they’re setting themselves up for a bright future,” said Gabe Butler, Club Manager.

Chief Todd believes that lawmakers will have to take a look at the issue in Annapolis to slow down carjacking rates. Meanwhile, the Boys and Girls Club also has openings for teens if you are looking to enroll your child in their programming.