CPD superintendent details plan to reduce car thefts in the city
CHICAGO — Chicago’s mayor and police superintendent met Friday to discuss car thefts and the new effort to catch the culprits, as warm weather approaches.
According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, crime sprees in the city often begin with a stolen car.
Snelling said reducing car thefts could go a long way towards reducing armed robberies and violent crimes.
“If we can get a handle on stolen vehicles, we can get a handle on how these crimes are being committed,” Snelling said during a press conference on Friday.
Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines
Snelling outlined what he described as the four pillars of his beefed-up strategy.
“Technology, focused missions, public engagement, and accountability,” Snelling said.
Two new helicopters will soon give CPD enhanced abilities to track
the car thieves without dangerous ground pursuits and commanders say there are now more resources for the department’s Vehicular Hijacking Task Force
Mayor Johnson, CPD outline strategy to address and prevent robberies in Chicago
“In addition to their daily operations, they conduct multiple joint operations each month that are focused on recovering stolen and hijacked vehicles, as well as apprehending those responsible,” Detective Antoinette Ursitti said.
So far this year, CPD statistics show that 5,960 vehicles have been stolen citywide, often leading to armed robberies.
LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland
Mayor Johnson told reporters that it will take an all-out effort to make people feel safe.
“Through this collaborative, community-driven and technology-driven approach, I’m confident in our ability to investigate crimes and bring justice to our communities,” Johnson said.
Superintendent Snelling also revealed a new strategy to deal with teen gatherings that have turned destructive.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
