Malliotakis, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Target Car Thefts

Image October 23, 2026 Press Release (STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 10872, Combatting Auto Robbery at the Source (CARS) Act to combat organized auto theft across New York, New Jersey and the tristate area. Auto theft remains a serious problem in New York City, with nearly 9,110 vehicles stolen during the first nine months of 2026, according to recent NYPD data . Many auto theft rings operate across state lines, making greater coordination and real-time information sharing between law enforcement agencies critical to tracking stolen vehicles and apprehending those responsible. The NATB would help strengthen coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement to disrupt organized theft rings operating across the country and internationally. Specifically, the bill would re-establish a National Anti-Auto Theft Bureau to: Act as a national repository for information related to auto theft. Facilitate real-time information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Provide training, resources, and recommendations to multiple stakeholders on how to combat auto theft. “In recent years, we have seen an increase in car thefts across the tristate area, making New Yorkers feel less safe and negatively impacting their quality of life. License plate scanners I allocated funding for have helped identify and recover stolen vehicles. However, once these vehicles leave the city, it becomes harder,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “We know that many end up on ships at New Jersey ports and then are sold in other countries. By creating a national anti-auto theft bureau and strengthening coordination at all levels, law enforcement can better combat auto theft across the tristate area.” “A car can be replaced, but the scars from a violent carjacking, or a home invasion over a set of keys, can last a lifetime. For hardworking Jersey families who depend on their cars to get to work, school, and the doctor, a stolen car brings everything to a halt. We know a National Auto Theft Bureau works because it helped drive down auto theft before, and bringing it back is just common sense. By investing in tracking stolen cars, training our officers, and coordinating at every level of government, we can finally get ahead of these criminals. When it comes to public safety, you have to invest to protect,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer . Rep. Malliotakis has secured over $9 million for the NYPD to purchase personal protective equipment, forensic equipment, patrol response vehicles, fixed plate reader systems, K-9 training and equipment, new tasers and belt-worn trauma kits.