Economist: Baltimore Carjackings Are Down But Remain A Problem

There’s been a real problem with carjackings in major American cities like Baltimore for a few years now. But Baltimore has been enjoying an overall lessening of the violent crime, which is a nice direction to be going in after years of increase. However, the issue is still a big problem, as a local economist recently pointed out.

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That economist, Anirban Basu, notes that while the rate of carjackings across Baltimore are down so far in 2025 versus last year, some parts of the city are suffering worse than ever from the trend.

As Fox 5 points out, the Central district has seen a 30 percent increase and the Northern district is really feeling it with a 75 percent spike in carjackings. However, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has declared victory for violent crime, including carjackings.

But Basu disagrees with that attitude.

“We’ve had several instances of quality of life crime in some of our most prominent communities,” said Basu. “Recently dozens of car windows shattered and of course as you mention the carjackings in the central district. So while the mayor has declared renaissance is here in Baltimore city, there are still reasons for many people to be weary of the city, and even move out of the city.”

After all, Baltimore has had a well-earned reputation for being a hotbed for violent crime. Having the rates go down is encouraging, but the city has plenty of work to do before it can be considered by many a good place to live.

Also, it doesn’t help to stamp out carjackings in one part of an area for it to just flare up worse in others. You’re literally just moving the problem around instead of solving it.

Hopefully Baltimore and the state of Maryland can find solutions to the carjacking problem and bring those rates down further.

Image via Fox 5