Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Monroe County is currently witnessing a staggering 240% increase over the 13-year (2010-2022) average of 1,150 stolen vehicles, as reported by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The county’s stolen vehicle task force is dedicated to seeking justice for the nearly 4,000 victims affected this year.
Barbara Wise’s retirement turned out to be a mere one-week hiatus, as she was compelled to return to her job driving school buses after her car was stolen.
“I know it’s only a car, but it’s still my car, something I worked hard for,” she said. “He just destroyed everything.”
Wise’s Hyundai was eventually found, in a total loss, with the alleged offender being just 15 years old.
Out of the nearly 4,000 cars stolen locally in 2023, law enforcement emphasized that the vast majority of alleged offenders fall between the ages of 14 and 16.
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Investigator James Coco from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stressed the need for immediate intervention.
“We can’t wait for the court system to catch up because, in the meantime, how many cars are going to be stolen?” Coco said. “How many more crimes are they going to be involved in?”
Coco, a member of the task force, explained that intentionally undercharging is one strategy officers are employing to intervene effectively.
“16- and 17-year-olds charged with a felony would go to Monroe County Youth Part, and New York state bail reform laws would apply,” Coco said. “The problem with that is they would be given an appearance ticket and sent on their way. If I charge them with a misdemeanor, I am then able to lock them up to provide some kind of intervention and get them off the streets into a much safer environment.”
Since July, the task force has recovered 21 stolen cars.
The team deploys unmarked police officers to patrol the city, identifying stolen vehicles based on signs like a smashed-out rear window or mismatched license plates, leading to further investigation.
The car theft left Wise feeling violated, prompting her to visit the home of the boy accused of stealing her car. At the time, he was in jail, but it was his mother who answered the door, sharing insights into the family’s struggles.
“I felt really bad for her,” Wise said. “She said he’s impossible or whatever or hard to control. She said, ‘As far as I know, if he does it again, lock him up.’ Then after I left, I just felt bad for her and the family.”
The task force has made 31 arrests since its inception in July. Of those apprehended, the sheriff’s office reported no repeat offenders.