Police back Missouri bill targeting car break-ins

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- If approved, Missouri Senate Bill 71 could be a big step in improving public safety and creating a safer environment for residents. 

Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Sen. David Gregory (R–St. Louis County) and aligned with similar statewide legislation, aims to crack down on individuals who knowingly and unlawfully enter motor vehicles with the intent to commit a felony or theft. 

The bill also establishes a new offense for unlawfully attempting to gain entry into vehicles by lifting door handles or testing the doors and locks of multiple vehicles without permission. 

The bill's provisions reflect a growing concern over rising vehicle theft rates, which have become a significant issue in many Missouri communities. 

Sgt. Jeremy Peters of the St. Joseph Crime Division states that vehicle theft also continues to be a local issue officers are actively working to address. 

“We’re constantly working to combat vehicle theft,” said Peters. “Of course, the trend generally aligns with weather patterns—during colder months, we see an increase in vehicle thefts as people leave their cars running to warm up." 

SB 71 classifies the offense of unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft as a Class D felony unless the offender possesses a firearm or steals a firearm from the vehicle, in which case the offense is classified as a Class C felony.

If an individual attempts to gain entry into motor vehicles by lifting door handles or testing the doors and locks of multiple vehicles without permission, this offense shall be classified as a Class E felony. 

Police and prosecutors across the state argue that current penalties for vehicle theft are not strong enough to deter criminals and more laws like this could help cut down on thefts. 

“Right now, some of the penalties are lower than what you would expect, for crimes like this,” said Peters. “So, anything that gives us more teeth to go after criminals and hold them more accountable when we do catch them doing these types of crimes is going to be helpful for everyone.” 

As of Thursday, April 24, the House committee voted in favor of the bill and recommended that it be passed by the full House. If passed, the bill would go into effect on August 28, 2025.

News-Press Now will update this story with comments from local citizens.