Gov. Wes Moore directs Maryland agency to address youth car thefts after serious crashes: news

Gov. Wes Moore Directs Maryland Agency to Address Youth Car Thefts After Serious Crashes

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive directive ordering the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) to establish immediate intervention pilot programs targeting youth motor vehicle theft. The directive follows a surge in juvenile car thefts that led to severe collisions, catastrophic injuries, and fatalities across local communities.

Key Focus Areas and Pilot Locations

• Target Jurisdictions: The pilot programs focus on Baltimore City and Montgomery County, which have recorded the highest year-over-year increases in juvenile auto thefts across Maryland.

  WUSA9

• Early Intervention: DJS will partner with local law enforcement, social service workers, and school systems to identify at-risk youth and children who are too young to face formal criminal charges, aiming to intervene before reckless behavior escalates.

  CBS News

• Interagency Coordination: The state is exploring mentorship models similar to the Ramsey County Youth Auto Theft Intervention Project, connecting young offenders and their families with community navigators, social support networks, and police oversight.

  CBS News

The directive requires DJS leadership to coordinate directly with local law enforcement agencies and submit an initial status report detailing implementation plans by December 1, 2026.