Ep 2. Carjackers

In episode 2 of season 2 of Underworld, Inc., titled "Carjackers," viewers are introduced to the world of auto theft and how stolen vehicles move quickly through illegal trade networks. The episode begins with an interview with a car theft victim, whose vehicle was stolen from his driveway in broad daylight. The victim shares his frustration with law enforcement's limited ability to recover stolen cars and how the experience has left him feeling violated.

The show then delves into the highly-organized world of carjackers, who often work in groups and use sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles quickly and efficiently. Viewers are introduced to a group of carjackers who operate in a major US city and hear from a former member who explains the inner workings of the group.

The episode also highlights how stolen cars move through different levels of the illicit trade, eventually ending up in chop shops where they are stripped for parts or shipped overseas. The show features interviews and hidden camera footage of chop shops in different locations, revealing how they function and the challenges law enforcement faces when trying to shut them down.

The episode also explores the impact of car theft on everyday citizens, including those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods. Viewers hear from a woman who lost her car, paycheck, and sense of safety when her vehicle was stolen while she was on the job as a home health aide. The emotional toll of car theft is also illustrated through an interview with a couple who had not one, but two, cars stolen from their driveway in the span of a few months.

Throughout the episode, viewers also hear from law enforcement officials who explain the challenges they face in combating car theft. The show covers strategies that some police departments have implemented to try to reduce car theft rates, including bait cars and license plate recognition technology.

The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of taking preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim of car theft. Viewers are given tips such as locking car doors, parking in well-lit areas, and installing anti-theft devices. The show reminds viewers that car theft is not just a minor inconvenience, but a serious crime that can have significant consequences for victims and can contribute to larger illegal trade networks.

Overall, episode 2 of season 2 of Underworld, Inc. provides a detailed look at the world of carjackers and the impact of car theft on individuals and society as a whole. Through interviews with victims, former carjackers, law enforcement officials, and others, viewers gain a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked crime and the complex web of illicit trade that it supports.