Vehicle Thefts on the Rise in Crystal City and Pentagon City in Arlington County

Vehicle thefts in Arlington County, particularly in the Crystal City and Pentagon City areas, have been on the rise, with a significant increase compared to previous years, according to recent data.

Crystal City and Pentagon City have emerged as hotspots for vehicle thefts, accounting for about half of all stolen cars in the county so far this year, raising concerns among residents.

The 22202 zip code, which encompasses Crystal City and Pentagon City, is experiencing a surge in vehicle thefts, with reports indicating that over 175 cars have been stolen in the area this year.

Compared to other parts of Arlington, vehicle theft in the Columbia Pike corridor in the 22204 zip code is also a cause for concern, with approximately 75 thefts projected for this year.

Isabella Gallegos, a resident in Pentagon City, recently became a victim of the car theft trend when her Kia Sportage went missing from her building’s secure garage, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Following the incident, Gallegos reported the theft to the Arlington County Police Department, and through their efforts, the stolen car was located in the Ivy City neighborhood of D.C., and the suspect apprehended.

According to Ashley Savage, a spokesperson for the Arlington County Police Department, the rise in vehicle thefts is linked to an increase in thefts of specific car models, including the Toyota C-HR and Kia Sportage, often through opportunities such as cars left running or unattended with keys inside.

To address the escalating trend, the Arlington County Police Department is actively engaging in community outreach campaigns, providing theft prevention tips to residents, and offering tools like steering wheel locks and Apple AirTags to deter potential thieves.

Residents in Arlington County are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their vehicles, especially in high-risk areas like Crystal City and Pentagon City, to mitigate the risk of falling victim to car thefts.