New York arrests over 900 in ghost car crackdown

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced the success of a crackdown on "ghost cars" over the past year. Ghost cars are vehicles that have altered or fake license plates used to avoid detection by law enforcement. These cars can complicate investigations into serious crimes. Since March 2024, a special task force has conducted 73 operations focusing on toll enforcement. These efforts have led to 902 arrests, over 39,000 summonses, and the impounding of more than 4,000 vehicles for various violations. A significant number of these vehicles were found in Staten Island. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of this initiative for the safety of New Yorkers. The task force aims to catch drivers using fraudulent plates, as these vehicles may be unregistered, uninsured, or stolen. Mayor Adams stated that the presence of ghost cars had contributed to a sense of disorder in the city. In one notable operation on May 1, 2024, authorities arrested 32 individuals and issued 770 summonses within a single day at several bridges. This year's enforcement efforts have already resulted in 168 arrests and 5,775 summonses. To strengthen the crackdown, Governor Hochul introduced new measures, including increased fines for altered plates and a ban on covers that obscure license plates. Additionally, police departments from nearby counties have joined the task force to enhance its effectiveness.