Illinois State Police recover 342 stolen vehicles during three-month enforcement effort
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois State Police recovered hundreds of stolen vehicles and made dozens of arrests during a three-month enforcement initiative targeting vehicle thefts, hijackings and related violent crime.
According to Illinois State Police, the agency recovered 342 stolen or hijacked vehicles between April and June 2026 through operations funded by grants from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.
During the same period, troopers arrested 24 people in connection with stolen vehicles and four people in vehicle hijacking investigations. Authorities also seized 10 firearms during stolen vehicle recovery operations.
Illinois State Police conducted 20 enforcement missions, used K-9 teams during 11 operations, deployed Air Operations on 20 missions, and completed 975 forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen or hijacked vehicles.
Among the cases highlighted by ISP, troopers arrested three people and recovered two firearms after locating a stolen Nissan in Chicago on May 21. On May 25, troopers arrested a driver and recovered a firearm after pursuing another stolen vehicle in Chicago. On June 26, troopers arrested two people after locating a vehicle involved in a recent hijacking in Calumet City.
According to Illinois State Police, the enforcement efforts are supported by grant funding awarded through the Illinois Secretary of State’s vehicle theft prevention program.
