The Union County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday announced the creation of the Union County Municipal Task Force to help combat the increased crime in the area recently.

The newly created force brings local police together and combines the resources of local police departments with the Prosecutors Office Intelligence and Narcotics Divisions.

According to officials, the task force will leverage real-time intelligence and data analysis to identify and target areas experiencing a surge in criminal activity, particularly motor vehicle thefts and burglaries and involves increased officer presence as well as identifying and catching offenders. They'll also be working with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, conducting a catalytic converter marking initiative to reduce converter thefts.

Union County Crime Stoppers says it will offer rewards of up to $10,000 for information resulting in the arrest and indictment of criminal offenders.