The Illinois State Police is continuing efforts to combat vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crime through a state-funded grant program.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which awarded ISP $10 million in its first fiscal year. Additional funding included $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.

According to ISP, enforcement missions conducted from January through March 2026 led to the recovery of 316 stolen or hijacked vehicles. Troopers made 32 arrests related to stolen vehicles and two arrests tied to hijackings. Authorities also reported seizing 10 firearms connected to those cases.

During that same time period, ISP carried out 39 targeted missions focused on vehicle theft and related crimes. K-9 units were deployed 22 times, while air operations assisted in 39 missions. The agency also reported 918 forensic laboratory assignments tied to stolen or hijacked vehicles.
State police also highlighted several recent incidents connected to these efforts. On January 29, troopers located a stolen vehicle along Interstate 64 near East St. Louis. The driver was taken into custody after parking in a nearby lot, and a firearm was recovered.

On February 17, ISP officers located a stolen vehicle on Chicago’s south side. Two individuals were taken into custody after attempting to flee the scene.

In another case on March 7, troopers responded to a crash involving a stolen vehicle on Interstate 94 near 47th Street in Chicago. Three individuals fled the vehicle but were later apprehended. A firearm was also recovered in that incident.

Illinois State Police say enforcement efforts will continue as part of ongoing strategies to address vehicle theft and related crimes across the state.