Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) say their vehicle theft and hijacking task forces have recovered 280 stolen or hijacked vehicles across the state from July through September 2025, part of an intensified statewide crackdown on auto-related crimes.
According to ISP, the effort is supported by $10 million in new grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, along with additional funding of $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.
During the three-month period, ISP made 21 arrests linked to stolen vehicle operations, including four hijacking-related arrests, and seized 13 firearms. Officers also conducted 40 missions specifically targeting stolen and hijacked vehicle recoveries, with 30 K9 units and 34 air operations assisting in recovery and crime response.
Investigators say ISP forensic laboratories processed 1,287 assignments connected to vehicle theft and hijacking cases during the quarter — a metric they say highlights the ongoing scale of auto-related criminal activity in Illinois.
State police continue to emphasize the role of community tips and collaboration with local law enforcement in curbing auto theft trends statewide.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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