New Moreno, Coons Bill to Crack Down on Auto Theft

WASHINGTON - Today, Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act to create a new federal grant program to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft and stolen automobile trafficking.

"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."

"Auto thefts harm us on a personal level, a community level, and a state and national level," said Senator Coons. "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 bill directs the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to create an auto theft prevention grant program that would be awarded to states that demonstrate a need for federal assistance. Grant funds could be used for equipment purchases, hiring and training officers and support staff, overtime and compensation costs, joint task forces, and data collection and research.

The Auto Theft Prevention Act is endorsed by ASCIA and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA).

To read more about the bill click HERE. To read the full bill, click HERE.