NCJ Number
205019
Date Published
2004
Length
77 pages
Annotation
Every 4 years the Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Council develops the Statewide Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Strategy; this 2004-2007 strategy report includes an overview of the motor vehicle theft problem in Illinois, including current efforts to address the problem, resource needs, and areas of greatest need within the State, followed by a description of the strategy for addressing the problem.
Abstract
Compared to other States, Illinois ranked 21st for vehicle theft rates per 100,000 persons in 2001. This is lower than in past years. Over the last 10 years, from 1993 to 2002, the motor vehicle theft rate in Illinois declined 37 percent. Motor vehicle theft remains concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Illinois. The Council's funded programs have achieved impressive results as witnessed in the increases in the number of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions for vehicle theft and related offenses. Multijurisdictional task forces, along with appropriate prosecutorial resources, continue to demonstrate that they are an effective law enforcement approach to vehicle theft. The goals of the 2004-2007 Statewide Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Strategy are to prevent, combat, and reduce motor vehicle theft in Illinois and to improve and support motor vehicle theft law enforcement, prosecution, and administration of motor vehicle theft laws by establishing statewide planning capabilities for and coordination of financial resources. The 2004-2007 strategy continues to support law enforcement "infrastructure" programs, a key to long-range planning. Auto theft investigation training programs enable officers across the State to identify and recover stolen vehicles and parts; they are regarded as a key ingredient to continued success in countering motor vehicle theft. The uniform data collection and dissemination is of critical value to programs that fight vehicle theft and will remain in place in 2004-2007. Although program costs continue to increase and collections remain relatively stable, mandated transfers from the trust fund to the general revenue fund in fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004 have significantly reduced the balance in the trust fund. To continue combating motor vehicle theft, the Council must significantly reduce the amount of funds granted annually. 12 tables, 7 figures, and appended Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, public input notices, panel discussions program, funded programs, and 2002 trust fund contributors