By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters), a senior U.S. senator has called for major automakers as well as the Transportation Department, to act to stop an “alarming increase” in carjackings at major US cities.

Dick Durbin (Senate Judiciary Chair) is a Democrat and asked the Alliance for Automotive Innovation which represents almost all major automakers and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for “uniform standards for rapid law enforcement access vehicle location tracking data during carjacking instances.”

Durbin stated that it can take up to a week for law enforcement officials to access vehicle tracking information on cars stolen from their owners.

Numerous cities across the U.S., including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, reported a large increase in carjackings, many of which involved teenagers or thefts at gunpoint.

CNN reports this week that Chicago saw more than 1,800 carjackings by 2021. This is an increase of 30% over 2020, and five times as many in 2014. CBS also reported that carjackings have nearly tripled in Philadelphia since 2019. Washington, however, had its carjackings rise to about 20% in 2021 according to the Washington Post.

The office of Buttigieg did not respond immediately to inquiries for comment.

Don Stewart, spokeswoman for Alliance for Automotive Innovation, stated that Durbin would be continuing to collaborate with them on this “important issue.” We’ve had good conversations with stakeholders in Illinois and elsewhere on this topic and those will continue.”

Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. Representative was last month robbed at gunpoint from her car in Philadelphia.

Scanlon is a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District. He was not hurt in the carjacking that occurred mid-afternoon following a meeting with elected officials.