Giannoulias
GiannouliasSPRINGFIELD — The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force will receive $2,456,527 from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to combat crjackings and motor vehicle thefts.
Giannoulias on Thursday announced grants totaling more than $21 million are being provided to six police organizations. The funding originates from the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council overseen by Giannoulias’ office.
The Secretary of State’s office convenes regular meetings of council members and awards funding to assist law enforcement entities – including the Secretary of State Police – to combat carjackings and prevent motor vehicle thefts.
“There is no single solution, but these grants give law enforcement needed financial resources, which will provide a greater sense of focus and effort to recover stolen vehicles and prevent carjackings that have been occurring all too frequently throughout our state,” said Giannoulias. “People doing something so routine as getting in their car and driving shouldn’t have to fear that they’ll be robbed of their vehicle at gunpoint. Working together, we will continue to not only make our roads safer but also our communities, neighborhoods and business districts.”
