WASHINGTON — As car thefts continue to rise in the District, leaders are announcing a new pilot program that aims to make finding stolen vehicles easier.

On Wednesday morning, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will hold a press conference alongside the Metropolitan Police Department to share that some District drivers in select areas will be able to receive free digital tracking tags for their vehicles. 

According to DC Police crime stats, motor vehicle theft is up 101% when compared to the same time last year. The free tracking tags will help police find and recover missing or stolen vehicles and hold those who took them accountable. 

The tags will be available to those living in selected police service areas (PSAs) and will be handed out at three separate distribution events. At each event, those who attend will be required to show proof of residence within selected areas to receive a free tracking tag. 

The pilot program follows MPD’s wheel-lock distribution program. Additionally, D.C. partnered with Hyundai to upgrade more than 1,100 cars with new anti-theft software over the summer and leaders started a dash cam distribution program for local rideshare and mobile delivery drivers. 

Police are still searching for the other teen allegedly involved in the carjacking, who ran away.