The number of cars stolen in New Jersey last year was 14,320 -- up 22% from the year before, according to new data.

New Jersey State Police are expanding the Auto Theft Task Force. More detectives and prosecutors are being brought in, and $125,000 will be added to increase resources.

In the end, there were more than 3,000 arrests involving stolen property.

Data shows those busted often have violent criminal histories and connections to gangs.

The Task Force has been around since 2015.