Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Majority of DC Auto Thefts Appear to be Linked to Getaround App

Attorney General Karl Racine believes that 75% of auto theft victims in the Washington, D.C. area are users of the carsharing app Getaround.

February 7, 2020
Majority of DC Auto Thefts Appear to be Linked to Getaround App

In 2020, more than 200 cars have already been stolen in the D.C. area, according to D.C. police. This is a 38% increase over the same period in 2019, says the report.

Photo via Depositphotos.

2 min to read


Karl Racine, attorney general of Washington, D.C., believes that 75% of auto theft victims in the D.C. area are connected to the carsharing app Getaround, according to a report by ABC 7 WJLA.

Through Getaround’s app, car owners can rent their personal vehicles by the hour or day. Racine said that car thieves search the app for available cars, according to the report. Once they find the vehicle, they know the keys are hidden inside. Instead of renting the car, thieves smash the car’s window, find the key, and steal the car.

Ad Loading...

In 2020, more than 200 cars have already been stolen in the D.C. area, according to D.C. police. This is a 38% increase over the same period in 2019, says the report.

To help protect their vehicles, Getaround users can store keys in a lockbox inside their vehicles. Additionally, Getaround offers an enhanced security feature that will halt a car’s starter when it’s used by an unauthorized user.

“Keeping our car owners and their cars safe is our top priority at Getaround, and all owners have access to our Enhanced Security feature via the Getaround Connect,” Getaround said to ABC 7. “We are aware of the incidents in D.C. and are taking actions to mitigate them, both operationally and through product updates, including working with our partner garage(s) to ensure sufficient security is being put in place to prevent future break-ins from occurring. We work proactively with local law enforcement authorities and are cooperating with law enforcement agencies with their investigations in Washington, D.C.”

Originally posted on Auto Rental News

More Global Fleet

SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

One University Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K. Here's the Playbook.

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
A world graphic of workers holding hands surrounds a globe with a line of cars on top, representing Global Fleets.
Global Fleetby News/Media ReleaseOctober 30, 2025

Enterprise Fleet Management Surpasses 900,000 Vehicles in U.S. & Canada

Enterprise Mobility connects with mobility solutions around the globe

Read More →
Two people pose with a sign symbolizing Viaduct's partnership with SRI.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2025

Sumitomo Rubber Industries to Acquire Viaduct

Viaduct will join Sumitomo as an independent subsidiary. Partnership strengthens global reach and accelerates AI-driven innovation for fleets and manufacturing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A presenter speaks on stage at a conference, addressing an audience seated at round tables, with large screens displaying presentation slides in the background.
Global FleetAugust 11, 2025

AfMA’s 2025 Education & Leadership Summit: 26 Years of Impactful Connection

Held in Sydney, the Australasian Fleet Management Association’s 2025 Summit marked ten years of growth as the event expanded its global reach and doubled down on practical, non-commercial fleet leadership programming.

Read More →
Graphic of awards announcement
Global Fleetby StaffJune 6, 2025

Closing Soon! Nominate a 2025 Global Fleet Team of the Year

Submit your nomination for the award that honors outstanding multinational fleet teams. Nominations close Aug. 15.

Read More →
A graphic with cars driving past in the background with motion blur. Text reads "Reducing Preventable Accidents".
Global FleetNovember 26, 2024

Seven Strategies to Reduce Preventable Accidents

“Accidents” suggest inevitability, but most crashes are preventable — caused by driver actions and behaviors. Here’s why shifting the narrative can improve road safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Four people sitting on stage doing presentation.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownNovember 6, 2024

2024 Global Fleet Conference in Photos

Check out photos from the first two days of the 2024 Global Fleet Conference, which convened for the first time in San Diego Nov. 4-6 as part of the new Fleet Week series of conferences.

Read More →
A black and blue graphic with a business portrait of Colin Sutherland, with text detailing his interview with Chris Brown.
Global Fleetby StaffOctober 17, 2024

Inside the 2024 Global Fleet Conference: Insights from Bobit CEO Colin Sutherland

With GFC joining Fleet Forward and Fleet Safety Conferences, attendees can engage in essential discussions on procurement, ESG goals, and safety.

Read More →
A sky blue and lime green graphic detailing the Global Fleet Conference seminar "Strategies to Reduce Fleet C02 Emissions on a Journey to Achieve Net-Zero."
Global Fleetby StaffOctober 11, 2024

Global Fleet Conference: Achieving Net-Zero Goals

On Nov. 5 in San Diego, join industry leaders from Schindler Elevator and Geotab as they share ideas and approaches to reaching emissions goals in global fleet operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and gold graphic detailing open nominations for the 2024 Global Fleet Manager of the Year.
Global Fleetby StaffJuly 23, 2024

Call for Nominations: 2024 Global Fleet Manager of the Year

Nominate a fleet manager or team today and recognize some of the best and brightest in the global fleet industry.

Read More →