Drivers in Baltimore are being urged to think twice before stepping out after a fender-bender, as police say a slick “bump-and-rob” tactic is behind a string of recent carjackings across the city.
Yesterday, the Baltimore Police Department issued a public safety alert linking several new cases to this setup-style crime. Investigators say suspects are staging minor crashes, then turning those tense moments on the road into full-blown robberies.
How the bump-and-rob plays out
According to police, the scheme starts with a suspect trailing or targeting a vehicle, then deliberately tapping it from behind in what looks like a routine minor collision. When the driver gets out to check for damage, other suspects move in, threaten the victim, and take off with the car or other belongings, as reported by FOX45.
Officers warn that these encounters can escalate quickly, and weapons or violent threats are sometimes involved. What feels like a small accident can turn into a dangerous confrontation in seconds, which is why police say stepping out of your vehicle in a suspicious crash could put you at serious risk.
Police safety steps and where to report
In its advisory, the Baltimore Police Department urged drivers to stay inside their vehicle after a minor crash if anything feels off, keep doors locked and keys in hand, and, if possible, slowly drive to a well-lit, populated area while calling 911. The guidance is straightforward: if your gut says something is wrong, treat it like an emergency, not an insurance exchange…