Chicago - A measure designed to provide law enforcement with additional resources to combat carjackings was signed into law thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).

“The rise in carjackings is disturbing and yet, arrests are almost never made in these crimes denying these victims justice,” Martwick said. “We need to do all we can to ensure that law enforcement agencies are working together to try new ideas to address this issue.”

The new law, formerly known as House Bill 3699, expands the Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Act to include vehicle hijacking. Under the legislation, the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Council – made up of representatives from law enforcement, state’s attorneys and the insurance industry – will be tasked with working together to reduce carjackings, a step that law enforcement say is needed.

A recent study from the Civic Federation found that in 2021 only 4% of the reported carjackings in Chicago resulted in arrest.

“I am pleased that we have taken this step to equip our law enforcement officers with the resources needed to protect our communities,” Martwick said. “This law puts us one step closer toward addressing this critical public safety issue across our state.”

The measure was signed into law Thursday and takes effect immediately.