Giannoulias Releases Results of Statewide Auto Theft Units

Giannoulias Releases Results of Statewide Auto Theft Units

Grant Money Helped Combat Carjackings & Vehicle and Catalytic Converter Thefts

Statewide auto theft and carjacking prevention task force funding has led to thousands of investigations, hundreds of arrests and millions of dollars in recovered vehicles, announced Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who oversees the grant program.

In fiscal year 2024, the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) conducted 1,854 investigations and recovered 1,346 vehicles worth approximately $30 million. ISATT assisted area agencies with another 414 vehicle recoveries at an estimated worth of nearly $9 million and produced 545 auto theft-related criminal charges, 385 of which were felonies. ISATT also conducted 240 audits of businesses in the auto industry, including scrap processors and body shops, resulting in 2,247 violations and 106 referrals to Secretary of State Police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Major Auto Thefts Investigations Unit (CMATI) conducted 1,130 investigations, resulting in 440 arrests and the recovery of 1,391 vehicles worth approximately $28 million during the past fiscal year. The Expressway Safety Enforcement Group (ESEG) used air operations 127 times and assisted other agencies in their efforts 110 times.

“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."

"These grants will help us continue our efforts to prevent these terrible crimes from occurring and provide our law enforcement the funding they need," said State Representative Yolonda Morris (9th District—Chicago). "As someone who has recently experienced the heartbreak of auto theft, I understand all too well the fear and frustration that comes with it. No one should have to live in fear that their vehicle will be stolen or that they will face such a violation of their personal space. We must work together to create a safer community for all."

The Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which Giannoulias’ office oversees, distributed the grants. ISATT received $3.4 million, CMATI received $1.4 million and ESEG received $675,000.

Law enforcement agencies can use the funding for salaries and benefits for personnel assigned to vehicle theft prevention units, vehicles, computers, vehicle tracking devices, GPS data, evidence kits, body cameras and drones for aerial vehicle searches.



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