Recent videos showcasing chaotic vehicular hijackings have become increasingly popular online, with millions tuning in to see the mayhem unfold from cities like Boston to Los Angeles. This has left local authorities scrambling to address a troubling rise in organized crime, where stolen vehicles are used to disrupt neighborhoods.
These hijackings, often coordinated via social media, frequently involve large groups of drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists taking over streets. In some instances, stolen cars have even been used in street races. Kyle McPhee, a former Michigan State Police sergeant and stolen vehicle expert, noted that the phenomenon of street takeovers seems to have intensified during the COVID-19 lockdowns, facilitated by rapid information sharing on social platforms.
“It’s as simple as posting on Instagram,” he added. “If someone suggests, ‘Let’s gather at this spot,’ you could see 400 to 500 people show up almost instantly. It turns into a party and a competition.”
Similar to flash mobs, these gatherings often erupt late at night or in the early hours. Participants block roads, perform reckless stunts, and even light fireworks for extra excitement. McPhee mentioned that some criminal groups are recruiting minors for vehicle thefts, particularly luxury models, because they face less serious legal repercussions.
“For some of these thefts, it’s organized crime at play,” McPhee explained. “They drop kids off to grab cars with the keys left inside, especially at manufacturers’ lots.” Additionally, advancements in technology now enable thieves to hack into car locking systems, allowing them to steal vehicles within minutes.
In Los Angeles, concerns escalated last year after videos that detailed how to steal specific models, like some Infinitis and Nissans, went viral. Authorities found that a professional locksmith tutorial may have influenced a series of significant roadside hijackings in the San Fernando Valley, involving multiple stolen cars that ended up destroyed.
McPhee noted, “These groups often cycle through different cars so quickly that it becomes hard to track them. Once stolen, cars might be sold off for cash on the street.” Thieves have a preference for high-performance vehicles, and when cars roll over during illegal activities, parts are frequently removed and resold, complicating recovery for law enforcement.
The trend of car thefts linked to street racing has extended across various states. For instance, in 2022, authorities in Texas seized 17 stolen cars in response to a takeover incident. Similarly, California’s law enforcement reported seizing several vehicles connected to an illegal racing event.
With the rise of organized street takeovers and the challenges they present, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently discussed the need for intervention, referencing a recent police vehicle arson. “Participants frequently ignore police orders and often wear masks to conceal their identities,” she stated, emphasizing the chaos they create in public spaces.
Healey’s administration is earmarking $14 million for initiatives aimed at combating this issue, promoting collaboration among different law enforcement agencies. In a comparable effort, Los Angeles County has initiated partnerships focused on addressing these disturbances.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman noted that while these activities may attract young thrill-seekers, they come at a steep cost, often leading to violence and chaos. Citing a tragic incident where a young woman lost her life at a takeover, Hochman pledged to enhance enforcement and put deterrents in place at known hotspots.
As communities navigate these challenges, McPhee cautioned that the allure of social media could pave the way for even more tragedies, emphasizing that the quest for views often overshadows the very real human impact of these reckless actions.
