DC to give some residents free digital tracking tags amid rash of car thefts

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced Wednesday that Washington, D.C., will be handing out free digital tracking tags for their vehicles, as car thefts have skyrocketed in the city.

Bowser unveiled the pilot program, available for drivers in certain areas of the District, alongside Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Officials said these tags could help law enforcement officers locate stolen vehicles and find those who were responsible for the theft.

“Last week, we introduced legislation to address recent crime trends; this week, we are equipping residents with technology that will allow MPD to address these crimes, recover vehicles, and hold people accountable,” Bowser said in a statement.

Crime in the District has been steadily increasing over the last year, largely surpassing last year’s crime totals in nearly every category. Motor vehicle thefts in the city are up by 101 percent this year, with MPD reporting a total of 5,916 in 2023 so far. This is up from the 2,942 car thefts reported last year.

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) was carjacked by three armed individuals outside his apartment building in Navy Yard last month. No one was injured and authorities later recovered the lawmaker's stolen vehicle.

The pilot program will be available to those who live in areas the MPD has seen the highest rates of motor vehicle theft, the press release states. Officials have scheduled three distribution events for residents in those areas to attend. MPD community outreach officers will install the tracking device into the driver’s vehicle and guide them in setting up the tag on cellphones.

“Our goal is not just to prevent carjackings and motor vehicle thefts, but also to ensure swift law enforcement action when these incidents occur,” acting MPD Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement. “These tracking devices allow our officers and detectives to be better positioned to quickly locate stolen vehicles, recover property, and gather vital evidence for investigations.”

D.C. rolled out a wheel-lock distribution program earlier this year to help prevent car thefts.

Some congressional lawmakers have targeted growing crime in Washington.

House Republicans called victims of violent crimes in D.C. as witnesses before the Judiciary Committee last month as part of an effort to criticize the city’s public safety and put blame on its Democratic leadership.