![This is how much kids are paid to steal cars in New Jersey](http://townsquare.media/site/385/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-95.jpg?w=980&q=75)
This is how much kids are paid to steal cars in New Jersey
While many communities continue to deal with an epidemic of vehicle thefts in New Jersey, it is unlikely to change anytime soon for one simple reason: it is big business.
The FBI says multiple criminal enterprises are operating large car theft rings in New Jersey.
In many cases, they are recruiting juveniles to do the dirty work of stealing cars.
That’s largely because there are few consequences for juvenile offenders if they are caught.
“Many times juveniles are being used by criminal enterprises to steal these cars, knowing that they would be difficult to arrest and be held accountable,” says James Dennehy, the special agent in charge of the Newark FBI office.
Dennehy, like many others in law enforcement, has become frustrated with the number of repeat offenders who are allowed to remain free even after arrest.
READ MORE: Shocking reason for rise in car theft
It's not just car theft
During a recent Townsquare Media Town Hall broadcast on vehicle theft, a panel of law enforcement experts revealed the disturbing trend of home invasions linked to vehicle theft.
Monmouth County Sherriff Shaun Golden says more than half of all high-end vehicle thefts in the county are the result of home invasions. It was less than 20% in 2022.
“The trend is juveniles breaking into homes and taking the cars,” Golden said.
Even more disturbing is the number of times the residents have been home when the car thieves break in looking for a key fob.
How much are juveniles paid to steal cars?
The amount of money juveniles are paid to steal cars is staggering.
“We know they are being paid 1,500 to 2,500 per vehicle,” says Sherriff Golden, “We know that's happening.”
Some juveniles can make $10,000 to $30,000 per month stealing high-end cars.
The demand for high-end vehicles is rising as they are increasingly being used to fund terrorist groups overseas.
READ MORE: Secrets car thieves done want you to know
Stealing cars -vs- dealing drugs
Juveniles can make far more money stealing cars than they can make in the illegal drug trade.
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, low-level drug runners and sellers barely make minimum wage.
At the top end, street dealers may make $50,000 to $70,000 per year. The job may also be considered more dangerous than stealing cars.
However, with the increase in home invasions linked to vehicle theft, Sherriff Golden and other local officials worry about the increasing risk of a deadly confrontation.
Golden noted the increase in gun permits in Monmouth County and believes it is only a matter of time before a homeowner confronts a juvenile who is breaking into a home.
NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts
Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt
New additions to NJ DOT's 2024 collection of humorous safety messages
Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander
More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM
![Longport, NJ, Police Report High-end Vehicle Theft](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2021/07/attachment-Longport.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Car Theft Epidemic in NJ – What’s Really Driving It and How to Stop It](http://townsquare.media/site/385/files/2023/01/attachment-Untitled-design-2023-01-20T082256.735.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Woman who stole car at Turnersville, NJ, Walmart left her ID inside, police say](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design_20240629_112329_0000.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Busy restaurant in North Wildwood, NJ, closes just as summer heats up](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2022/10/attachment-Untitled-design-9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Pleasantville, NJ, man charged for inappropriate relations with kids: Police](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2022/11/attachment-Untitled-design1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Popular South Jersey jeweler to close Cape May, NJ, store](http://townsquare.media/site/397/files/2024/06/attachment-henrys-cape-may-pic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Favorite Atlantic City, NJ Restaurant Has Re-Opened](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2024/06/attachment-IMG_6596.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Victim shot 14 times, now NJ man sentenced for role in attempted robbery](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2024/06/attachment-RS12415_490069267-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, woman facing prostitution charges](http://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2023/03/attachment-Untitled-design-13.jpg?w=980&q=75)