ISP Indianapolis post recovers 300+ stolen vehicles since Jan. 1

INDIANAPOLIS — More than half of the stolen vehicles recovered by the Indianapolis post of the Indiana State Police this year have been recovered by one particular unit.

According to a news release from the Indiana State Police, 336 stolen vehicles have been recovered in the Indianapolis post since Jan. 1, resulting in multiple arrests.

Out of the total number of recoveries, more than 57%, or 192, were recovered by the “Night Shift B Squad”. The release said that this squad consists of 15 people, including 13 troopers and two supervisors.

This year, that squad has “put 359 people in jail on 764 various criminal charges,” the release said. Officials said the squad’s reputation has led to law enforcement agencies contacting them to assist with stolen vehicle recoveries.

“Our Troopers, specifically Night Shift B Squad, have shown exceptional diligence in recovering stolen vehicles and disrupting criminal operations,” Josh Watson, a lieutenant and the district commander of the Indiana State Police’s Indianapolis post.

“These recoveries send a clear message that vehicle crime will not be tolerated, and we will continue to pursue offenders with determination and precision,” Watson continued. “I commend our troopers for their commitment to protecting the community and returning property to its rightful owners. The ripple effect of someone stealing a vehicle not only deprives a person of their vehicle and personal belongings such as credit cards, identification, medication, but can also increase insurance rates for everyone.”   

The release said that the recent increase and availability of license plate reading cameras have helped with the recoveries.