Illinois State Police recover 316 stolen vehicles, make dozens of arrests in first quarter

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois State Police reported recovering hundreds of stolen vehicles and making dozens of arrests during the first quarter of 2026 as part of efforts targeting vehicle theft and related crimes.

Officials said troopers recovered 316 stolen or hijacked vehicles between January and March. Authorities also made 32 arrests related to stolen vehicles and two arrests tied to hijackings.

During the same period, ISP conducted 39 enforcement missions and used K-9 units 22 times in connection with vehicle theft investigations. Air operations were also used in 39 missions, and forensic labs handled 918 related cases.

Police said 10 firearms were recovered during stolen vehicle investigations.

The enforcement efforts are supported by grant funding through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention program.

Authorities highlighted several cases, including arrests following the recovery of stolen vehicles in East St. Louis and Chicago.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at reducing vehicle theft, hijackings and related violent crime across the state.