MINNEAPOLIS — Following a year-long pilot program meant to curb juvenile auto thefts, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty revealed to reporters Wednesday that the county's experiment seems to be working.
According to Moriarty, the data collected during the county's Youth Auto Theft Early Intervention Initiative showed a significant decrease in juvenile auto thefts, as well as a reduction in subsequent reoffending.
The initiative, which started last June, showed 81% of youth who participated in the program did not incur any new charges from the time of their referral through May 15. Moriarty said officials believe the key to the program's success is early intervention.
"This initiative shows that when prosecutors, law enforcement and social workers join together to intervene early and support young people and their families, we can prevent crime from occurring," Moriarty said. "Early intervention helps improve justice and public safety for everyone."
Instead of waiting until a juvenile is charged and prosecuted through the court system, Moriarty said the program works by intervening before a potential car theft occurs, while the second leg of the initiative gives youth involved with an auto theft-related case expedited legal review.
"Waiting for young people to steal cars, potentially hurting others or themselves, and gain a criminal record is not the answer," Moriarty said.
Other data collected during the program's pilot run include:
- The number of youth auto theft cases submitted to HCAO was 48% lower from January to May 2024 than the same period in 2023 (before this initiative went into effect).
- Auto theft reports to law enforcement were down 30% across Hennepin County during the same time period.
- The vast majority of participants and their families are accepting voluntary services from a social worker.
A statement from the attorney's office said the program is part of a broader plan to improve community safety and well-being through "both individual and system accountability that leads to positive results for youth, families, and our communities, while simultaneously centering victims and their healing."
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