In Illinois, a significant boost in efforts to curb auto theft has yielded impressive results, with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias spotlighting the success of the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. Over the past fiscal year, the task force initiated 1,854 investigations, resulting in the recovery of 1,346 vehicles valued at around $30 million. Furthermore, the task force supported local agencies in reclaiming an additional 414 vehicles worth nearly $9 million and filed 545 auto theft-related charges. Complementing these efforts, Chicago’s Major Auto Thefts Investigations Unit recorded 1,130 investigations, 440 arrests, and the recovery of 1,391 vehicles, estimated at $28 million. The Expressway Safety Enforcement Group (ESEG) used air operations 127 times and assisted other agencies in their efforts 110 times. These coordinated initiatives are reshaping the landscape of vehicle security and law enforcement efficiency in Illinois.
ISATT also conducted 240 audits of businesses in the auto industry, including scrap processors and body shops, resulting in 2,247 violations, with 106 referrals to the Secretary of State Police for further investigation. The grants can be used to fund salaries and benefits for personnel assigned to theft prevention units, vehicles, computers, vehicle tracking devices, GPS data, evidence kits, body cameras, and drones for aerial vehicle searches.
“For many of us, our vehicle serves as a lifeline. We depend on it for work, running errands, shuttling our kids to activities and visiting loved ones,” said Giannoulias, whose office administers the grants. “To have it stolen can have serious consequences for families and upend their lives. These task forces play a critical role by ensuring local, state and federal law enforcement officers work together to address these crimes.”
“The Illinois State Police Expressway Safety Enforcement Group utilizes patrol, investigations, license plate readers, air operations, and other assets to increase stolen vehicle recoveries and apprehend suspects committing hijackings,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This funding allows ISP to continue committing resources necessary to pursue violent offenders and reduce violence.”
“This funding will strengthen our community by equipping the city’s auto theft task force with the tools and resources they need to investigate and address the rising number of carjackings in Chicago,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (5th District—Chicago). “Car theft can seriously impact the livelihood of residents and their travel needs, costing thousands in damages to not only the victim but also to our communities. With this funding we will continue to invest in proactive measures to address carjackings in the Chicago area and ensure our task forces involved are equipped with what they need to help.”
