Democrat, GOP Lawmakers Say NJ Car Thefts Are An ‘Epidemic’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A Democratic state lawmaker has found common ground with one of his Republican peers: fighting back against car theft gangs that prey on vulnerable teens.

On Thursday, Sens. Richard Codey (District 27) and Anthony Bucco (District 25) gathered for a news conference at West Orange Town Hall to introduce bipartisan legislation they say will give law enforcement new tools to fight “an epidemic of car thefts, often organized by gangs that prey on at-risk juveniles.”

Citing “data and discussions with local law enforcement officials” they’ve had over the past three months, the senators claimed that “brazen networks of car thieves and gangs have pushed New Jersey to the point of crisis.”

The state is on pace to see more than 17,000 vehicles stolen this year. Car thefts also have been increasing at least 20 percent annually since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Codey and Bucco said.

Here’s what the bill would do if it becomes law, the senators said:

“The bill would expand penalties for those stealing or receiving vehicles, as well as those who recruit juveniles to do so. The bill would also increase the penalties for those convicted of motor vehicle theft or receiving a stolen motor vehicle and subject repeat offenders to the possibility of an extended term. A juvenile who is found to have received a stolen vehicle would have to serve 60 days of community service, and a juvenile who has previously been adjudicated delinquent for a motor vehicle charge would be required to get a minimum 60-day period of incarceration. Additionally, it would increase penalties for leaders of auto theft trafficking networks who conspire with others, including juveniles.”

Codey, a Democratic Party member who formerly served as governor, said it’s a rare week when he doesn’t hear about the problem.

“Our people are desperate,” Codey said. “And this issue goes beyond car thefts. This is a matter of community safety. Cars are being stolen out of driveways and backyards. Homes are being entered. Juveniles are being targeted. This is no longer about thieves hitting soft targets. These new players are bold, aggressive and unafraid.”

Bucco, the Republican Legislative whip, said the numbers are “disturbing,” but more troubling is “the way the thefts are occurring and the growing use of stolen cars in committing violent crimes.”

“The methods and intentions of the criminals have evolved,” Bucco said. “Car thefts have expanded well beyond simple property crimes. Now the safety of our law-abiding residents is at risk.”

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