In an effort to get control of the historic number of auto thefts throughout the state, lawmakers have approved a spate of bills that would bring stricter punishment to those caught with stolen cars.
The measures have gotten bipartisan support in Trenton, but some advocacy groups say they discriminate against communities of color and actually wouldn't address the core cause of the problem. Lawmakers expect to revise the bills to try addressing those concerns while also deterring auto thefts.
“We don’t want to kill a mosquito with a bazooka, so we’re trying to be cognizant that we’re not being too harsh," said Sen. Joseph Lagana, a Democrat from Paramus who sponsors six of the bills.
"But at the same time, we have to remember that in all of these instances there are victims,” he said.
For subscribers:Why do people leave cars unlocked as thefts are on the rise in NJ? We try to find out
New Jersey has seen a "near-epidemic" number of car thefts the last two years, Gov. Phil Murphy said at a recent news conference announcing a crackdown that includes stronger penalties and more funding against gang activity responsible for the crimes.
In testimony to lawmakers, Maj. Larry Williams of the New Jersey State Police said the organization estimated that about 15,644 cars were stolen in 2022, which would be up more than 1,000 from last year and nearly 4,000 more than in 2020.
But state data shows that there were 16,471...
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