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Fighting motor vehicle theft in the city will soon be easier for the Elgin Police Department.
City Council has approved a pair of grants aimed at curbing crimes involving stolen vehicles—particularly catalytic converter theft. The most recent grant, worth $54,850, comes from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority and follows a $63,000 grant approved last November.
Both grants include a 20% local match: $12,600 for the 2025 grant and $10,970 for the newly approved 2026 funding.
“We can get nine cameras and 10 wiring harnesses. They are interchangeable between vehicles,” Police Chief Chris Noble said. “We can outfit two vehicles on one shift with one spare.”
The 2025 grant was awarded in January after a November application. The 2026 grant, submitted last month, is expected to be distributed in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
“Our current initiatives are the use of fixed post surveillance at high-activity locations, high-visibility traffic enforcement and extensive use of license plate readers,” Noble said.
LPRs alert officers to stolen vehicles, cars suspected in crimes elsewhere and vehicles connected to missing persons or registered sex offenders. While catalytic converter theft has declined, Noble noted that stolen vehicles are still being used to harvest converters elsewhere due to their high resale value.
“A stolen car is a stolen catalytic converter,” he said.
Looking ahead, Noble said the department plans to use the 2026 grant funds to purchase thermal imaging cameras, which will aid in nighttime surveillance of areas prone to auto theft, burglaries and parts theft.
Grace’s Lighthouse
The Elgin Police Department is also expanding its community partnerships through a program known as Grace’s Lighthouse, designed to help caregivers register individuals who may have difficulty communicating or identifying themselves.
“We do not often deal with non-communicative persons,” Noble said. “Nevertheless, as the prevalence of autism increases in our community, we believe we should have a mechanism in place where family members are able to privately make us aware a loved one is autistic and the best methods for which to communicate and get the person reunited with family or a caregiver.”
The program is open to individuals with autism, Down syndrome, dementia or Alzheimer’s. Participants must submit updated photographs every six months and report any changes in address or residence.
“All EPD officers have received crisis intervention training,” Noble said. “Though not mandated, EPD is moving forward with ensuring all officers receive the highest level of training—certification as a mental health officer.”
