By Jim Talamonti with the Illinois Radio Network

State police say grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council led to 316 vehicle recoveries and 34 arrests during the first quarter of 2026. After an initial $10 million grant, Illinois State Police were awarded another $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.