Illinois cracks down on auto thefts, carjackings with hundreds of arrests

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Tuesday that auto theft investigators have arrested hundreds of suspects and recovered millions of dollars in recovered vehicles in 2024.

Giannoulias’ office administers grants from the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which distributes grants to state policing agencies.

Law enforcement uses the grant money for salaries, benefits, vehicles, computers, tracking devices, GPS data, evidence kits, body cameras, and aerial drones.

“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. “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 Statewide Auto Theft Task Force recovered 1,346 vehicles worth $30 million and produced 545 auto-theft-related criminal charges.

The group also conducted 240 audits of businesses in the auto industry, including scrap processors and body shops, which resulted in 2,247 violations.

In Chicago, the Chicago Major Auto Thefts Investigation Unit arrested 440 suspects and recovered 1,391 vehicles worth approximately $28 million.

“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.”

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