PEORIA, Ill. (WAND) - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced $1.5 million will be awarded to the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Task Force.
The funds will go to support operations and expand specialized investigations into carjackings and vehicle thefts.
The grant funding will allow GPACT to expand operations and specialized investigations into crimes related to vehicular hijacking, auto theft, insurance fraud and recyclable metal theft.
GPACT was established in 2023 and is based out of Peoria.
The task force consists of partnerships with area law enforcement agencies including the Peoria Police Department, Peoria County Sherriff’s Office, Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Illinois Secretary of State Police. GPACT and partners also work in coordination with National Insurance Crime Bureau.
In fiscal year 2024, GPACT conducted 339 investigations and recovered 246 vehicles worth approximately $3.7 million. They helped area agencies with another six vehicle recoveries worth approximately $198,000 and produced 288 auto theft related criminal charges, 215 of which were felonies.
The Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which Giannoulias’ office oversees, distributed grants to six law enforcement agencies, including GPACT.
Law enforcement agencies can use the funding for salaries and benefits for personnel assigned to vehicle theft prevention units, vehicles, computers, vehicle tracking devices, GPS data, evidence kits, body cameras and drones for aerial vehicle searches.
“For many of us, our vehicle serves as a lifeline. We depend on it for work, running errands, shuttling our kids around town and visiting loved ones,” said Giannoulias. “To have it stolen can have terrible consequences for families and upend their lives. This task force plays a critical role by ensuring local, state, and federal law enforcement officers must work together to address these crimes.”
“Having your car stolen creates greater difficulties commuting to work, taking your children to school, and attending local events — but it also can destroy your sense of safety and trust in your own community,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (46th District—Peoria). “GPACT has already done great work to keep Peorians safe and advocate for justice for those who have been victims of carjacking. This grant will only grow the good they can do in our community, and I am grateful to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for this investment in Peoria’s safety.”
“We are grateful for the work of our taskforce and law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe,” said State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District—Peoria). “While our taskforce is relatively new, I am proud of what they have accomplished, and I know this additional funding will help them continue their great work.”
“We must continue our support of our dedicated law enforcement agencies,” said State Representative Ryan Spain (73rd District—Peoria). “I appreciate the strong leadership of Secretary Giannoulias, State's Attorney Hoos, and our law enforcement partners who work so hard to keep our communities safe.”
“Supporting Law Enforcement and ensuring they have the resources to do their job is vitally important,” said State Representative Sharon Chung (91st District–Bloomington). “This much-needed funding will prioritize our community and increasing the support for local law enforcement.”
“The work GPACT does to combat vehicle theft cannot be overstated and this funding will bolster their efforts,” said State Representative William E Hauter (87th District—Morton). “This funding sends a message that this crime will not be tolerated, and we will provide whatever is necessary to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
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