Carjackings have been on the rise in the Twin Cities, mainly in Hennepin County, and they are on a record pace this year, leaving police searching for answers.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson spoke with News Talk 830 WCCO's Chad Hartman about the spike in carjackings and what his office is doing to put a stop to them.
In 2019 there were 101 reports of car thefts. Now, just two years later, there have been 494, and the year isn't even over yet.
"It's troubling. It's actually disgusting what's happening," Hutchinson said.
The problem for Hutchinson starts with those that are continuously stealing vehicles and not receiving any punishment for doing so.
"We can't allow people to run around, stealing people's cars," Hutchinson said. "It's dangerous, and it's un-American."
Hutchinson shared that many of the cities within Hennepin County are currently short-staffed. He said that a way to stop these violent crimes from happening starts with well-staffed police departments.
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"Well-intended, well-trained police officers will stop these violent crimes," Hutchinson said. "You'll see it in cities across America. Cities that support and fund the police have less problems."
As for how his office is working to curb the number of carjackings, Hutchinson shared that they received a grant from the state this fall, specifically for car thefts.
When it comes to who is stealing cars, Hutchinson said that most of the people doing so in the Twin Cities are juveniles. According to Hutchinson, juveniles are tough to keep incarcerated, meaning they get back out on the street. Because of this he has another solution he thinks will help.
"We need to hold parents accountable. Parents need to also be a part of the equation. We can't arrest our way out of it— well, that's one point we can do, and we need to do more of," Hutchinson said. "But also parents need to be held accountable just like police are held accountable."
"So yes, it happens all the time, people carjack somebody, and they are out very, very quickly, especially if they are a juvenile."
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He added that one step that needs to be taken to resolve the issue is reform, because the problem is everywhere.
"The judicial system is in need of reform just like the police system is in need of reform or evolving," Hutchinson said. "It happens way too much, and it's disgusting not only to me and my staff [but to] other law enforcement leaders throughout the Twin Cities."
When it comes to minors taking part in carjackings, Hutchinson wants to see them get help, but he knows that accountability is vital.
"Let's get these kids the help they need but let's hold them accountable," Hutchinson said. "If they're adults doing it, the adults need to be held accountable and face the consequences."
Bottom line Hutchinson says that these carjackings are "wrong," and he wants to get parents skills to stop their children from ruining their lives.
"Stealing people's cars at gunpoint in broad daylight or at night or whether in the city or the suburbs is wrong," Hutchinson said.