The Minneapolis Police Department has told residents they should cooperate with criminals and “be prepared” to hand their property over when somebody demands it.

In an email reportedly sent to Third Precinct residents, authorities urged citizens to comply with the demands of criminals, in light of a surge in robberies and carjackings.

“Robberies and Carjackings have increased in our Precinct,” the letter reads. “Cell phones, purses, and vehicles are being targeted. Some victims have been maced, dragged, assaulted, and some threatened with a gun.”

The email included a number of prevention tips, which included: “Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet” and “Do as they say.”

The advice comes as the city’s crime data has recorded a recent surge in robberies and car thefts. According to WCCO, figures revealed there were 2,170 stolen vehicles this year through to July 26, a 46% increase over the same time period in 2019. There has also been 886 robberies, a 36% increase compared to the same time last year.

The Post Millennial notes: “In June the Minneapolis City Council approved a plan to defund police. Despite this, Minneapolis City Council members have run up a tab of over $63,000 for their own private security. City Council allegedly intends to replace police with a community-led model.”