Disturbing rise in carjackings in some suburban communities
In South Jersey, there are several police departments discussing the possibility of coming up with a regional game plan.
PENNSAUKEN TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- Carjackings are becoming more and more common at shopping centers and convenience store parking lots across the Delaware Valley.
In South Jersey and Delaware, police say suspects are waiting for drivers to start pumping gas or filling up their tires before they strike.
On Saturday morning, two women, ages 56 and 72, were carjacked at a Wawa in Claymont, Delaware.
Both of the victims were physically assaulted during the attack, police said.
Delaware State Police say they investigated a total of 19 carjackings last year within their jurisdiction.
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There have been five incidents less than a month into the new year. If the current pace continues, Delaware State Police will be contending with a 300% increase in carjackings.
It's a similar issue in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where police say there have been five carjackings in recent weeks.
Action News spoke with some residents who say they can hardly recall a time when they have been this concerned about their own safety.
"I am very concerned because I'm worried, we're two women by ourselves, you know, it's very possible. People are desperate. These are desperate times and it can happen to anybody," said Carla Shaw from Pennsauken.
"I am concerned and I guess I will be a little more careful knowing that that's happening, but what else can you do?" said Wanda Swanson of Riverton, New Jersey.
In this part of South Jersey, there are several police departments discussing the possibility of coming up with a meeting sometime soon to come up with a regional game plan to stem this tide before it gets out of hand.
In Philadelphia, police are ramping up patrols to tackle a spike in carjackings. There have been more than 90 carjackings so far in the city this year. Last year, there were more than 750 incidents.
