Crime & Safety
Illinois Police Update Oct. 13: 424 Stolen Vehicles Recovered Through Sept 26'
Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police announced Tuesday, October 13, that specialized operations targeting vehicle theft, hijackings and related violent crimes resulted in the recovery of 424 stolen
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-13T19:41:46.132Z
Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police announced Tuesday, October 13, that specialized operations targeting vehicle theft, hijackings and related violent crimes resulted in the recovery of 424 stolen or hijacked vehicles across Illinois during a three month enforcement period.
According to the Illinois State Police, the recoveries occurred between July and September 2026 as part of ongoing enforcement efforts supported by funding from the Illinois Secretary of State's Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.
424 Vehicles Recovered, 22 Arrests Reported
During the three month period, ISP reported 21 stolen vehicle arrests and one hijacked vehicle arrest, along with the seizure of seven firearms connected to stolen or hijacked vehicle recovery operations.
State police conducted 38 targeted enforcement missions, deployed K9 resources 19 times and carried out 38 air operations.
Additionally, forensic laboratories completed 1,146 assignments related to stolen or hijacked vehicles.
Chicago Incidents Highlight Enforcement Efforts
Several operations in Chicago were highlighted in the announcement.
On August 5, troopers located a stolen Nissan following a crash near Garfield and Wells streets. Police said the vehicle fled an attempted traffic stop before crashing into a tree. Two occupants were taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered.
On August 22, troopers attempted to stop a stolen Chevrolet near Interstate 55 and Halsted Street. The vehicle fled before stopping in an alley near South Union Avenue, where four occupants were taken into custody.
On September 2, troopers pursued a Dodge allegedly involved in an aggravated vehicular hijacking near Interstate 94 and 79th Street. Three occupants were taken into custody, and another firearm was recovered.
Millions Allocated to Vehicle Theft Prevention
ISP received a $10 million grant for its first fiscal year of the program, followed by $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.
State police say the funding supports continued efforts to combat vehicle theft, hijackings and related violent crimes throughout Illinois.