Minneapolis passes annual record for auto thefts, with 3 months to go

It was a team effort. As reported through yesterday (Sept. 29), the official Minneapolis Crime Dashboard indicates that, year-to-date, there have been 6,211 cars stolen in the City of Lakes. And there are still over three months remaining in the calendar year.

The official crime dashboard for the city records 6,138 auto thefts for calendar year 2022.

Last week, KSTP-TV reporter Jay Kolls reported on the city’s car theft problem. He mentions a 2022 record of 6,283, without providing a citation. Don’t worry, we’ll get there, soon enough. [Update: the city reached 6,292 on Oct. 4.]

At 6,204, Minneapolis is more than 2,000 stolen cars above the 2022 YTD pace. At this rate, we will finish well above 8,000 for the full year.

So far in 2023, the city is running 81 percent above the three-year average.

We keep hearing about falling crime rates. Much of that impression centers on the lower YTD homicide rate in Minneapolis. This year, the city has changed its presentation of homicides, splitting the category into three subcategories.

It’s true, homicides are down, from 67 last year to 56 this year, YTD. But assaults, sex offences, stolen property and vandalism are up.

The various other forms of theft (burglary, larceny, and robbery) appear to be down, or at least victims have concluded that there is no longer any point to reporting new crimes.

Buckle up Minneapolis drivers, we’re in for a bumpy ride.