Gottheimer Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Organized Auto Theft Rings

www.wrnjradio.com, Jay Edwards, October 23, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., reintroduced bipartisan legislation Thursday, Oct. 22, aimed at combating organized auto theft rings by improving information sharing and coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The Combatting Auto Robbery at the Source Act, known as the CARS Act, would re-establish a National Auto Theft Bureau to serve as a national clearinghouse for information about stolen vehicles and organized auto theft operations.

The legislation is co-led by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., and is intended to help law enforcement agencies investigate theft rings operating across state lines and internationally.

“Auto theft isn’t just a property crime. It’s often run by organized rings that move stolen cars across state lines and out through our ports, and it puts families at risk, including in carjackings. Our law enforcement is doing everything it can, but they need a national clearinghouse to connect the dots in real time. The CARS Act will give them the intelligence, training, and resources to stop these criminals. To our law enforcement and the victims of auto theft here in Jersey, know that I stand with you,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

According to Gottheimer’s office, more than 1,300 vehicles were stolen in New Jersey in 2025.

The proposed National Auto Theft Bureau would allow law enforcement agencies at all levels to share information in real time to help identify and investigate sophisticated auto theft organizations.

The legislation would also provide training, resources and recommendations to law enforcement, private industry and the public about preventing vehicle theft. Those efforts would include identifying vehicle designs that may increase vulnerability to theft and monitoring online trends related to auto theft. Continue article