Sheehan Praises State Grant Program for Dramatic Drop in Auto Thefts, Carjackings (Homer Glen, IL) – State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen) is applauding a state grant program he says is delivering tangible results in reducing auto thefts and carjackings across Illinois — and he’s calling for expanded investment to keep the trend going.
“These grants are making a real difference,” said Sheehan, a veteran law enforcement officer with nearly 20 years of experience. “We’re seeing crime numbers drop thanks to smart investments in technology and multi-agency collaboration.”
At a recent press conference in Belleville, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office announced more than $11 million in new grants to law enforcement agencies statewide. The funding — derived from a $1-per-insured-vehicle contribution from insurance companies rather than tax dollars — has already helped recover $65 million worth of stolen vehicles in the past year, according to state data. Officials said that represents a $5.50 return for every dollar spent.
The results are particularly striking in Chicago, where carjackings have fallen from a pandemic-era high of 1,852 incidents in 2021 to just 379 so far this year. Sheehan credited the sharp decline to the use of advanced tools such as drones, license plate readers, and aerial surveillance provided by Illinois State Police aircraft, all coordinated through cross-jurisdictional task forces.
“The pandemic saw a spike in these crimes, but now we’re putting the brakes on,” Sheehan said. “Law enforcement agencies are working together in ways we haven’t seen before, and it’s paying off.”
Sheehan emphasized that the program operates without tapping into state tax revenue and benefits both private citizens and rental car companies by speeding up vehicle recovery. He urged stakeholders — particularly insurers and rental firms — to contribute more funding to sustain and expand the initiative.
“It’s only fair that those who benefit help offset the costs,” he said. “We need to ensure our officers have the tools and support they need.”
The Homer Glen Republican joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and law enforcement officials in praising the program’s success, calling it a model of data-driven public safety policy.
“This is government and law enforcement at their best — working together, guided by data, and driven by results,” Sheehan said.
Sheehan represents Illinois’ 37th District, which includes portions of Will and Cook counties.
Sheehan Praises State Grant Program for Dramatic Drop in Auto Thefts, Carjackings
