Joliet, IL – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has awarded $2.2 million to the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force (TCAT) to enhance operations and combat rising vehicle crimes.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, the funding will help TCAT expand specialized investigations into carjackings, auto thefts, and catalytic converter thefts. The task force, based in Joliet, serves Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall, and Iroquois counties.
“Unfortunately, vehicle thefts and carjackings have become all too common so it’s important that we support law enforcement and provide them with the tools they need to track down criminals and recover vehicles,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (49th District-Crest Hill). “This funding will have a considerable impact in protecting our communities and making them safer.”
In fiscal year 2024, TCAT conducted 528 investigations, recovering 355 stolen vehicles valued at $8.4 million. Local law enforcement will use the funding to increase personnel and purchase new technology, including drones and GPS tracking devices.
