Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that targets auto theft trafficking networks and expands penalties for offenders was signed into law today.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that targets auto theft trafficking networks and expands penalties for offenders was signed into law. (Pixabay)
“Far too many suspects have gotten away with committing auto theft crimes in the past. With the signing of this bipartisan legislation, we are enacting a plan to hold auto theft traffickers and their criminal networks accountable for the epidemic of motor vehicle thefts in New Jersey,” said Bucco (R-25). “Auto theft networks have grown significantly since 2020, with car and auto-part thefts increasing by 40% or more in some areas of the state. This law establishes a new crime for auto theft network participants and broadens the scope of the existing second-degree crime for leaders of a motor vehicle criminal network.”
Senator Bucco’s bill, A-5034/S-3006, forms a comprehensive bipartisan plan that targets auto theft trafficking networks and the criminals participating in these organizations.
The law broadens the offense for leaders of auto theft networks, so that the original crime will apply to more offenders who might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.
Additionally, the law expands the existing second-degree offense to include individuals functioning as recruiters, networks involved in for profit enterprises and criminal activities, and traffickers who only deal with stolen automobile parts. A second-degree crime carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to ten years, fines reaching $150,000, or a combination of both.
A new offense is also established for participants in auto theft trafficking networks, which encompasses individuals who collaborate with others to commit unlawful actions related to stolen cars and car parts within the state. This is a crime in the third degree, which is ordinarily punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $15,000, or a combination of both.
“The increase of auto theft crimes is a concerning trend that risks decaying our quality of life,” Bucco added. “This new law will hold individuals that are engaged with auto theft criminal networks accountable for their intolerable acts. We are sending a powerful message that if you commit the crime, you will be caught and you will serve time.”