Baltimore police are recommending motorists lock their doors and call 911 during minor fender benders in the city after a string of incidents in which bumps from behind turned into armed carjackings.

The incidents have occurred across the city, from the South Baltimore peninsula to the Johns Hopkins University's Homewood neighborhood in North Baltimore. Some motorists have been beaten after getting out of their vehicles to inspect potential damage to their cars, police said.

"It's been widespread. It hasn't been isolated to any particular area of the city or any particular time," said T.J. Smith, the Police Department's chief spokesman. "It's something that's a pattern and a problem. We need the citizens to be vigilant and understand that this is going on and help us solve this problem. This is much bigger than a stolen car."

In an email Monday to local residents, Maj. Richard Worley Jr., commander of the Northeast District, called it a "Bump & Rob Crime Pattern" that has been occurring for weeks. "The criminals are still committing these crimes even after we have made several arrests," Worley wrote, advising residents to "call 911 immediately, lock your doors and remain in your vehicle" if they are...read more at The Baltimore Sun