Ramsey County officials are crediting a new grant-driven youth intervention program for a downward trend in carjackings and auto thefts.
Both skyrocketed during the pandemic, primarily at the hands of juveniles.
The Youth Auto Theft Intervention Program includes community navigators who work directly with at-risk families offering things like chemical dependency or mental health treatment and employment.
Undersheriff Mike Martin spoke about what law enforcement officials have seen, saying they’ve worked hard to stop crime before it happens.
“We’re able to put together a team of deputies and analysts that really focused on real-time information on auto theft and carjackings. It allowed us to deploy our resources as effectively as possible and get out there and intervene, oftentimes, before crimes occurred,” Martin said.
Overall, Martin says this year they’ve seen a dramatic decrease in the number of carjackings, and auto thefts are down 30% from the same time last year.
The undersheriff also says the program includes community navigators who work with families whose juveniles are often responsible for the carjackings and thefts. That might include making sure they’re going to school or helping with substance abuse treatment.
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