Drop in Chicago Auto Thefts – Except for High-End Vehicles

 Posted on June 12, 2025 in Theft

Violent crimes – except for criminal sexual assault and human trafficking – dropped significantly last year across Chicago. There have also been fewer gun violence victims and fewer victims of motor vehicle theft overall (a drop of 27 percent in 2024 over 2023). The trend of fewer auto thefts has continued into 2025, and as of May 4, car thefts in the city were down 35 percent.

Police attribute a significant portion of the drop in car thefts to license plate reader technology and the new Chicago Police helicopters, while noting an increase in the theft of higher-end vehicles. More than 400 luxury vehicles were stolen in 2024. Police say they have also seen an increase in the number of Jeeps stolen (up 28 percent in 2024 over 2023). Not only are sport utility Jeeps being stolen at a higher rate, but they are also being used to ram storefronts in other thefts and to steal ATMs.

If you are facing vehicle theft charges or other related charges, you must take these charges seriously. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will comprehensively evaluate the arrest and evidence against you to determine whether the prosecutor has a solid case and whether there is police misconduct or violations of your rights that could potentially result in a dismissal of the charges.   

Is Theft of a Vehicle a Felony Offense?

The theft of a vehicle in Illinois is always a felony offense, with one exception. If the stolen vehicle is worth $500 or less, the crime will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Vehicles worth $500 to $10,000 constitute a Class 3 felony when stolen, and the theft of vehicles worth $10,000 to $100,000 is charged as a Class 2 felony. Stealing a vehicle worth more than $100,000 is charged as a Class 1 felony.  

What Are Some Other Vehicle-Related Criminal Offenses?   

Aside from general vehicle theft, the state of Illinois prohibits joyriding (criminal trespass to vehicles), selling or disposing of stolen vehicles, carjacking, breaking into a vehicle, and possessing tools used in vehicle theft. Joyriding is often charged as a Class A misdemeanor since the vehicle is usually only "borrowed" and then returned. Breaking into a vehicle is usually a Class 3 felony, carjacking is a Class 1 felony, and possessing tools used in a vehicle theft is a Class 4 felony.  

What Elements Are Necessary to Charge Car Theft?

The theft of a motor vehicle must include the following elements for the prosecution to obtain a conviction:

• The defendant must knowingly take or obtain control over another’s property.
• The taking or obtaining control of the vehicle must be done without authorization of the owner or by threat or deception.
• The defendant must have the intent to deprive the owner of his or her property permanently.

In other words, the defendant takes a vehicle that does not belong to him or her with no intention of returning the vehicle to the rightful owner.

What Are the Penalties for Vehicle Theft?

A Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a fine as large as $2,500. A Class 4 felony conviction can result in one to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000, while a Class 3 felony conviction can result in two to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. A Class 2 felony conviction can result in a prison term of three to seven years, along with a maximum fine of $25,000; a Class 1 felony conviction can result in a prison term of four to 15 years, along with a maximum fine of $25,000.

Contact a Cook County, IL Defense Attorney

If you are facing vehicle theft charges, the best step you can take is to speak to a highly experienced Chicago, IL theft lawyer from Luisi Legal Group. Attorney Luisi has developed an outstanding reputation over the past 16 years as a highly skilled litigator. To schedule your free consultation, call 773-276-5541.