New Orleans carjackings spike 165% since pre-pandemic

New Orleans has seen at least a 165% increase in carjackings since before the COVID-19 pandemic, city data shows.

In 2019, the city had 103 carjackings, but in 2022, that number skyrocketed to 273, according to unofficial data from the New Orleans City Council Crime Dashboard.

At this point in the year compared to 2019, carjackings increased by 186%, the Metropolitan Crime Commission, a non-profit Louisiana-based watchdog, said as of Sunday.

Carjackings are starting to decline in 2023, with 39 so far this year compared to 76 by this time in 2022, city council data shows.

However, auto theft is up dramatically overall, with a 118% increase in incidents so far this year compared to this time in 2022 and a 150% increase compared to 2020, right before the start of the COVID pandemic.

Some New Orleans residents are taking additional steps to avoid being carjacked amid the surge. 

"You try to park close to your house or where you’re going," New Orleans resident Kelly told Fox News on Wednesday. "You don’t sit in your car and play on your phone."