Baltimore is facing trouble rising in auto thefts across the City, statistics show.

In fact, the crime up significantly in all nine police districts.

According to the latest crime statistics posted by the Baltimore Police Department, there have been 3, 162 reported auto thefts citywide so far this year. That’s a 138% increase compared to this time last year.

“The general reason why cars are stolen or carjacked is to provide a vehicle to commit other crimes,” said Jason Johnson, a former deputy commissioner with BPD, weighing in on the spike.

This MO, Johnson says, can help avoid immediate detection.

The crime can also lead to deadly results.

Back in February, video surveillance captured the moment a pedestrian was killed after police say a fleeing suspect careened onto the sidewalk and into a building, in east Baltimore.

The car, investigators say, had been reported stolen days prior.

Johnson also points out auto thefts are often committed by juveniles.

Former FBI agent Tyrone Powers agrees, and believes the problem will only get worse this summer.

“With juvenile crime increasing and more young people in the streets day and night then that will increase,” said Powers.

The Baltimore Police Department is blaming the spike largely on vehicle manufacturers Hyundai and Kia, and TikTok.

Videos posted to the social media platform, the City says, demonstrate how to steal cars due to faulty technology.

Back in May, the Mayor announced Baltimore joined a lawsuit against the automotive companies for, “failing to equip their vehicles with industry-standard vehicle immobilization technology.”

In addition, a spokesperson for BPD said the Department provided wheel locks to City residents in need.

Powers believes an increased police presence and ensured consequences would better deter criminals.

“Unless we have more of a police presence. This is where having a police presence is important. Then it’s going to continue to spike,” said Powers.