MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Carjackings have plagued communities throughout the Twin Cities, however investigators say the surge is beginning to subside.
Many instances, rideshare drivers had been the targets. Shaheen Yasir has been a full-time Lyft driver for 3 years. He says security is a continuing concern.
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“A lot of people does have protection in their car,” Yasir stated. “Me personally, I don’t have like any like pepper spray or a gun or a knife. Just hope God, you don’t be a victim.”
A spree of rideshare carjackings final fall spurred Minneapolis police to push out a criminal offense alert. There’d been greater than 40 robberies in simply two months.
Now, MPD says crimes in opposition to Uber and Lyft drivers have dropped off near zero.
Looking at carjackings general, there have been about the identical quantity in Minneapolis this yr as right now final yr, however there have been fewer in current months versus late final yr.
(credit score: CBS)
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In St. Paul, there have been 31 carjackings this yr. Last yr right now, there had been 101.
“We take one carjacking incredibly seriously, but in the scheme of things, it’s a really small number of people who are victimized,” stated Steve Linders with the St. Paul Police Department.
Police inform us the decline has come from arresting suspects and stopping repeat offenders. They additionally say individuals’s elevated consciousness and touring in teams has stored passengers safer, too.
Some further reminders for rideshare passengers from St. Paul police: Confirm the automobile’s license plate earlier than getting in, keep within the backseat, and don’t share something too private. It’s additionally a good suggestion to comply with alongside by yourself map app throughout the experience.
“If you order a vehicle and you walk up to the car and something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut,” Linders stated. “Make other arrangements. Order another vehicle.”
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office has served federal indictments in opposition to two males Wednesday for his or her position final fall in a number of carjackings of Uber and Lyft drivers. Prosecutors say extra expenses are possible coming within the close to future.