Three people were killed in separate shootings in Ohio and Pennsylvania over the weekend, raising concerns about gun violence in the region. In a Pittsburgh suburb, an exchange of gunfire at a bar resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries. Meanwhile, a shooting at a street party in Akron, Ohio, left one dead and approximately 24 others injured, with several in critical condition. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with either incident.

In a related discussion, criminology expert Alex Piquero from the University of Miami highlighted a troubling trend in car thefts across the United States. According to government and insurance data, car thefts surged past one million in 2022, marking the highest level in 14 years. Piquero attributed this increase to several factors, including the pandemic, which led to more vehicles being left unlocked and the rise of social media tutorials that demonstrate how to steal certain car models, particularly Kias and Hyundais.

Piquero noted that carjackings have also risen sharply in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. He explained that vehicles are lucrative targets for thieves due to their high resale value and the ease with which they can be stripped for parts. The criminologist emphasized that many carjackings occur in dimly lit areas at night, making them easier to execute.

Interestingly, there are reports suggesting that some stolen vehicles are not being dismantled for parts but are instead being used in other crimes before being abandoned. Piquero expressed concern over the involvement of younger individuals in these crimes, noting that preteens engaging in carjacking is particularly alarming.

To combat these rising trends, Piquero suggested that while law enforcement agencies are stretched thin, individuals can take proactive measures to protect their vehicles, such as ensuring they are locked and parked in well-lit areas. He emphasized the importance of community awareness and vigilance in addressing the growing issue of car theft and carjackings.