KANSAS CITY - The Wichita City Council has approved an ordinance amendment to address rising car thefts in the city.
Wichita Police will have additional enforcement tools to punish thieves who have no authority to authorize a vehicle’s use by another third party. The amendment also addresses the unauthorized towing of vehicles from private property.
In 2023, nearly 2300 vehicles were stolen in Wichita. That number rose to over 2600 last year.
The penalty for violating the new ordinance is at least 30 days in jail and a $100 fine for the first offense.
The council also approved a new law that will require motorists to move over for vehicles that have their hazard or caution lights activated.
The new code mirrors the "Move Over" law, enacted by this year's Kansas Legislature. It goes into effect on July 1.