New Jersey officials announced they will decrease a spike in car thefts statewide by again permitting police to engage in pursuits of car thieves and by spending $10 million to increase the use of license plate recognition technology.
Cops earlier had only been allowed to pursue the automobiles as a last resort to prevent imminent death or serious injury to the officer or someone else. This restriction was implemented by the state Attorney General’s Office in December in response to the danger and collisions that can result from police pursuits.
The modification was criticized over increased incidents of car thefts, essentially giving offenders a free pass to steal cars and flee.
State police data revealed car thefts hit an all-time high in New Jersey in 2021, with car theft reports this year 37% higher compared to the same time in 2021.
There were about 14,320 reports of stolen vehicles, a 22% increase over cases in 2020.
