Illinois earmarks $11M to curb carjackings, vehicle thefts across the state

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — To combat the surge of carjackings and vehicle thefts in Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that his office is providing six state law enforcement agencies with more than $11 million in grant funds.

Giannoulias said the six agencies were picked, in part, because they have units specializing in carjacking and auto thefts. The secretary said he still has the emotional scars from his high school days, when he was a victim of a carjacking.

“I still, whenever I drive a vehicle, especially if my daughter’s in the car, I make sure I leave … enough space between cars,” he said. “I’m always on the lookout.”

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the funding, which will become available on July 1, will benefit his agency greatly.

“This grant will allow the Illinois State Police to focus additional resources on prevention and investigative follow up,” he said.

So far in 2024, Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief of Detectives Kevin Bruno said vehicular hijackings are down 16.7% in the city of Chicago compared to the same period in 2023.

“Much of that is due to the funding made available from the secretary,” Bruno said.

To fund the grants, the insurance industry provides $1 for every passenger vehicle it insures to the Secretary of State’s Office.

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