Car attacks are on the rise in Philadelphia, according to police

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI): This is a crime that is becoming commonplace on the streets of Philadelphia. Investigators say vehicle attacks have skyrocketed and those suspected of committing these crimes have become more feared.

“I turned around and pointed their guns at my face, asked for my wallet, keys and phone,” said John Greco, the victim of a car attack.

Greco said two handguns were aimed at his head right in front of his home, at 8300 block on Dorcas Street in Rhawnhurst on Sunday at half past nine in the afternoon.

Greco said he was on his way to work when two men jumped from a Bordeaux SUV, each with a handgun, and asked for his phone, wallet and car keys before leaving with his car.

“I was shocked. I was shocked to have these kinds of weapons. People are shot that way,” Greco said.

Greco said he was lucky enough to live by telling the story that so many others in the city have had to live, as car attacks increase in Philadelphia with an increase of almost 100% in the last two years.

In 2019 there were 225 kidnappings, in 2020 there were 410 and in 2021 the police said there have already been 28 kidnappings.

Now, Greco’s neighbor said she called her mother before going out on the sidewalk after work, fearing for her own life.

“We live next to each other, but it happened right in front of my car. So now, when I come back at night, I’m afraid to get out of my car and a couple of feet to the door because it happened right here. “said Kristy Newell, Greco’s neighbor.

In recent years, in nearly 200 of those car attacks, no weapons were used, police said.

Philadelphia police sent a list to Action News of ways to prevent a vehicle hijacking:

– Park in well-lit areas and consider your surroundings
– Equip your vehicle with an anti-theft device
– Lock doors while driving or parked

– Avoid driving alone at night when possible
– Don’t stop on the road for seemingly stranded strangers. Please note their location and return to a safe place once you have been asked for help.

What to do after an attack

If you are threatened with a weapon, give up the car. Your life is worth more than the vehicle. Try to observe as many pirate physical characteristics as possible so that you can provide a detailed report when you call the police. As always, doing your best to avoid a potentially dangerous situation is the best way to prevent an attack. Always carry a mobile phone with you when you get out of the vehicle and use the best criteria to drive and park in unfamiliar areas.

Police have recovered Greco’s car, but those responsible remain at large. Police said the men were believed to be between 17 and 21 years old. They were driving a newer Bordeaux model SUV with an unknown license plate, police said.