Related: Theft of 75 Vehicles in Chicago Exposes Carsharing's Vulnerabilities
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.

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.
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.
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.”
More Legal & Legislative

Government Affairs Executive Wins Leading Rental Car Industry Award
Robert Muhs started in the car rental industry with Avis Budget Group two years before the first International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
ACRA: Spurring Car Rental Industry Success
The American Car Rental Association scored more access and influence in 2025 as it grows its services for car rental operators.
Read More →
AVOA Partners with AALA and NLC
The American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) recently announced its partnership with the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Read More →
ACRA Takes Bold Strides On Capitol Hill
The American Car Rental Association’s annual legislative and lobbying event upped the face time with and access to members of Congress.
Read More →
Rental Car Leader Engages With Primary Industry Causes
Q&A Interview: Federal contracting, EV charging infrastructure, stolen vehicles, and policy advocacy drive an agenda for Carlos Bazan-Canabal that stretches beyond his car rental executive post.
Read More →
Get Ready: ICRS 2026 Open for Business and Call for Papers
The 30th anniversary International Car Rental Show heads to the Dallas area as it celebrates a legacy and pivots toward an industry marketplace and forum suited to the fourth decade ahead.
Read More →
Inside The Fight To Catch Rental Car Thieves
Recovering stolen rental vehicles requires foresight, cooperation, and a firm grasp of legal procedures with car renters.
Read More →
