Overview
- The department unveiled the 'Together, We Can Prevent Auto Theft' initiative, focusing on public education and practical prevention tools.
- Police recruits began door-to-door outreach in high-theft neighborhoods to deliver leaflets and hand out steering wheel locks.
- The campaign includes social media messaging and community workshops to explain how the thefts occur and how to reduce risk.
- Officials warn that criminals use OBD programming and relay attacks to copy or relay key fob signals, with push-to-start models frequently targeted.
- So far in 2025, Philadelphia has recorded about 13,954 car thefts, roughly 3% higher year over year after a drop from nearly 24,000 in 2023 to about 15,800 in 2024.