Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) have introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing rising rates of auto theft across the United States. The legislation would establish a federal grant program to support state and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat auto theft and the trafficking of stolen vehicles.
“For too long, hardworking families in Ohio and across the country have been subjected to rampant auto-theft and lawless criminals stealing with impunity, throwing their lives into chaos,” said Senator Moreno. “In Cleveland, there were nearly 4,000 vehicles stolen in the past year. I’m proud to work across the aisle with Senator Coons to ensure law enforcement has the resources they need to fight back and protect our communities.”
Senator Coons emphasized the broader impact of auto theft on individuals and communities. “Auto thefts harm us on a personal level, a community level, and a state and national level,” he said. “When your car gets stolen, you lose not just your way to get to work and school, but your sense of security. Meanwhile, the proceeds from your car often fund other, more dangerous crimes, cartels, and gangs. This bipartisan bill gives local law enforcement the tools and expertise they need to find stolen cars, take money out of the hands of criminals, and give families back their sense of security.”
The proposed grant program would be managed by the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Funding could be used for purchasing equipment, hiring and training officers or support staff, covering overtime costs, supporting joint task forces, as well as data collection and research.
The Auto Theft Prevention Act has received endorsements from both ASCIA (Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies) and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA).
