INDIANAPOLIS, October 28, 2026 — The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the Combatting Auto Robbery at the Source (CARS) Act of 2026 (H.R. 10872), bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and co-led by Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). It directs the Attorney General to establish a new National Auto Theft Bureau within the Department of Justice (DOJ). It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee; the text for the bill is here.
This bureau would serve as a hub for national vehicle theft data and facilitate real-time information sharing among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“A dedicated location where police agencies share intelligence about vehicle thefts would allow officers to more efficiently track stolen vehicles. Organized theft rings frequently move vehicles across state lines, which makes it challenging for officers to make arrests,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association.
The CARS Act would provide training, resources, and recommendations to industry stakeholders, the public, and police agencies on preventing and combating auto theft. Law enforcement would access practical support and best practices instead of relying solely on their own resources.
The bill would establish a pilot program to help state and local police agencies collect and share information and implement best practices. It authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2027.
Though overall vehicle thefts have trended downward, organized rings still operate, especially in certain metro areas. Per data from the New York Police Department, nearly 9,110 vehicles were stolen during the first nine months of 2026.
Crime networks are increasingly shifting to fraud schemes, creating a separate area of concern for law enforcement. Compounding this is an ongoing public safety risk. “Some offenders perpetrate carjackings or other forms of violence,” Fitzsimmons added.
The NPA commends Reps. Gottheimer and Malliotakis for introducing the CARS Act, legislation to institute a National Auto Theft Bureau within the DOJ. It would provide law enforcement agencies with the capability to coordinate efforts, more efficiently track stolen vehicles, and make arrests. We ask the House to vote on this bill.
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About: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.
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