Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office made 41 felony arrests during a three-day carjacking crackdown last week in Minneapolis.
The joint operation, which was aided by a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter that was the subject of local speculation, also netted nine gross misdemeanor arrests and resulted in the recovery of seven stolen vehicles, according to a news release issued Tuesday.
Officers also confiscated five guns and a pipe bomb.
Reported carjackings have soared so far this year in Minneapolis to 391 — a 320 percent increase over 2019, the news release said. Last week’s operation focused on areas of the city where they are particularly frequent.
“Investigators say suspects generally approach drivers, start a conversation and, once the opportunity presents itself, steal purses, cellphones, wallets and vehicles — sometimes at gunpoint,” the news release said.
To avoid being victimized by carjackers, law enforcement officials advise drivers to park in well-lit areas, be aware of their surroundings, equip their vehicles with anti-theft systems and lock their doors while driving.
Drivers should also avoid stopping to help stranded strangers on the road, and instead pull over at a safe distance to call for help, the news release said.
