Hoffman, Secretary of State Highlight State Grants to Combat Carjackings and Vehicle Theft

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Building on efforts to combat carjackings and auto theft, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, welcomed Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to the Metro East this week to announce over $2.6 million in grants to support the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force (MEATTF) and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.

“We’re continuing to direct significant resources to our law enforcement so they can stop these bad actors, make our roads safer and give residents
greater peace of mind,” Hoffman said. “This dedicated support gives law enforcement agencies greater flexibility to tackle the issue, and I’m grateful for their work across Illinois that has already secured hundreds of criminal arrests and recovered millions in stolen vehicles. Let’s keep up the good work.”

As part of more than $11 million in new grants recently issued to assist law enforcement across the state, the MEATTF and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department will receive $2,629,299, an increase over last year’s $2,438,954. This funding can be used to cover personnel costs, vehicles, computers, evidence kits and other modern technological resources.

Funding was approved by the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which is overseen by the Secretary of State’s office. Additional information on the released grants and other agencies receiving funding can be found at https://www.ilsos.gov/news/2025/october-20-2025-giannoulias-awards-state-grants-to-combat-carjackings-and-auto-theft.html.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.