Chicago police, community team up in effort to protect women, elderly from carjackings

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More action was announced Friday morning in the effort to protect women and the elderly from carjackers.

Extra security, including Chicago police officers are currently in place at some Chicago gas stations, in an effort to protect residents from the recent dramatic uptick in carjackings. That approached was dubbed "Operation Safe Pump."

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Now Chicago police will team up with those same monitors to escort women and seniors to their cars at several grocery stores and gas stations on the South Side.

"Not one woman, not one senior individual has been carjacked since the presence of extra eyes and ears," Coleman said. "So to have CPD join us today, I know that we are going to be a better city."

The Command Staff of the 4th District Chicago police; Aldermen Stephanie Coleman, Michelle Harris and Gregory Mitchell; and business owner Early Walker joined several other community leaders in announcing the new safety measure outside a Jewel in Jeffery Manor. A carjacking took place at the gas station in the Jewel parking lot less than 48 hours ago, officials said.

RELATED: Chicago carjackings up 283% compared to a year ago, police data shows

It only takes seconds to become the victim of a carjacking. Security expert Moody Andrews explains what to do if you're caught in a similar crime.

"It has become apparent that the recent increase in carjackings has triggered the mindsets of law-abiding citizens to proceed with caution while driving." Walker said.

WATCH: Community leaders, CPD detail new plan

A new strategy was announced Friday morning in the effort to protect South Side women and the elderly from Chicago carjackings.

In the first month of this year, Chicago police reported 218 carjackings, a 283% increase when compared to the same time period last year. In January 2020, there were 77 carjackings.