MADISON – Dick Codey, the former governor and now state senator, had his car stolen 20 years ago. As he said Monday, his vehicle had a “car phone,” and when Codey called it, the thief for some reason answered.

Codey says he colorfully told the culprit he was going to get caught, and guess what – he was.

Things are more sophisticated today.

Estimates are that 17,000 vehicles will be stolen in New Jersey this year. That would be an upward trend; there were 14,320 car thefts in 2021 and that was 22 percent more than 2020.

Rising crime of any kind puts pressure on politicians to act.

Which is why Codey joined Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, other state and local officials and dozens of police brass from Morris and Essex counties outside the stately Hartley Dodge Memorial on Monday to highlight steps being taken to stop cars from disappearing.

“These criminals don’t know politics,” said James Gannon, the Morris County sheriff.

He’s probably right that someone stealing a car is not thinking about the midterms.

Politicians, however, can’t be that unaware. Republicans in competitive races are criticizing House Democrats all over New Jersey about rising crime.

Still, with the midterms just about three weeks away now, elected officials agreed with the Morris sheriff that car thefts are not political.

State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco put it this way:

“This is a public policy issue.”

Two pieces of legislation were specifically addressed.

Sherrill talked about the recently introduced Auto Theft Prevention Act. The co-sponsor is Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska.

This would launch a grant program to provide local police with more tools to combat car thefts. Funds could be used to hire more cops, pay overtime and to purchase equipment, including automated license plate readers.

Sherrill said she expected action on the bill before the end of the year. Congress is in recess until after the election.

Bucco and Codey talked about state legislation.

Both said that those who actually steal cars often are minors, or under 18. Punishment for juveniles in most cases is limited.

The proposed legislation would increase penalties for juveniles involved in car thefts.

The first offense would mandate community service and the second offense a minimum of 60 days of incarceration. The bill would also expand the definition of conspiracy to hold car theft ringleaders responsible.

Codey said he’s told Senate President Nicholas Scutari that this bill should be a priority.

Legislation aside, some speakers reminded the public of a more basic precaution:

Lock your car and take the keys.