Police sources and security company Lo Jack told El País newspaper that carjackings are becoming more common in Montevideo and the surrounding areas.

At least 15 vehicle thefts this year have been by armed assailants. In addition, the carjackers have found ways to nullify GPS systems, making it more difficult to locate stolen vehicles. Popular vehicles are 4x4s from Carrasco, Pocitos and in Costa de Oro.

In Uruguay, between 330 and 400 vehicles are stolen each month, nearly half of them in Montevideo.

(El País Digital, 23 September 2009)