Illinois State Police Combats Vehicle Hijacking And Theft

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another $677,000 in June 2024, and $637,500 in July 2025.

From January through March 2026, ISP missions resulted in the following:

• Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked: 316
• Stolen vehicle arrests: 32
• Hijacked vehicle arrests: 2
• Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery: 10
• Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime: 39
• K9 used for stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violence crime: 22
• Air Operations targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime: 39
• Forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen/hijacked vehicle: 918

Highlights of ISP vehicle recovery efforts:

• January 29, 2026, ISP located a stolen vehicle on I-64 and 15th Street in East Saint Louis. The driver parked in a parking lot near State Street and 24th Street. ISP took the driver into custody and recovered a firearm.

• February 17, 2026, ISP located a stolen Ford parked at 7700 S. Essex Ave. in Chicago. The driver attempted to run from the vehicle. ISP took the driver and passenger into custody.

• March 7, 2026, ISP located a stolen vehicle that crashed on I-94 northbound at 47th St. Three occupants ran from the vehicle. Officers took all three occupants into custody and recovered a firearm.

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