Title
Seizure and Impoundment of Motor Vehicles -Village Code Amendment 6-10-1 - Recommended Ordinance
History
On 7/17/06, the Village Board approved ordinance #4154 providing for the impoundment of vehicles used in the commission of certain crimes to include drunken driving, driving while ones license is suspended or revoked, drug offenses, weapon offenses and prostitution.
The police department is seeking to expand this authority to include the offense of retail theft over $150.00, burglary to motor vehicle and numerous other felony offenses where the vehicle is already subject to seizure pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/36 (Seizures) as amended.
We believe that enhancing the ordinance will serve several purposes. In the case of retail theft; it will help deter this crime and support our retailers who are experiencing a greater number of thefts of more expensive items and at a time when our economy is in a recession.
In the case of burglary to motor vehicle; we have experienced an increase in this activity particularly from offenders coming from outside our community who drive here and victimize both our residents and the visitors to Orland Park.
Finally, in the case of felonies; we already have the authority to seize these vehicles and seek their forfeiture. Impoundment will allow for a second option that will streamline the process particularly for those vehicles that have little value or will never be of any use to the department as forfeiture proceedings do not begin until after the criminal case is concluded. In the meantime; we must store and maintain these vehicles on village property. This not only costs the village to maintain these vehicles but also takes up space throughout our public works facility and at other locations.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend to the Village Board to pass an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6 OF THE ORLAND PARK VILLAGE CODE IN REGARD TO THE SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Bo...
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