Be careful in ” Carjack City “

DETROIT (AP) — Motorists in Detroit are starting to refer to parts of the city as "Carjack City."

Carjackings in parts of Detroit have become so common that many drivers are afraid to get out of their cars at the gas station.

And the city has formed a special police team to go after suspects, who if convicted, get their faces and prison sentences plastered on billboards.

Authorities blame many of the carjackings, ironically, on improvements in vehicle security. Anti-theft equipment, GPS systems and advanced locks now prevent many vehicles from being driven without a key in the ignition.

That makes it difficult or impossible for thieves to steal parked cars, leading them to target vehicles that are occupied, said Jonathan Parnell, of Detroit's auto-theft squad.

Also contributing to the thefts is a strong demand for stolen wheels and tires, police said.