Cape Lawmaker, Ex-Cop, Pushes 'Get Tough' Bills to Combat Street Takeovers and Rising Crime

In a bold move to reclaim public safety and order, State Representative Kip Diggs, a Democrat from Barnstable and a former seasoned police officer, is spearheading a legislative push with a series of 'get tough' bills. His initiative comes as a direct response to a surge in disruptive and dangerous street takeovers, along with escalating concerns over car thefts and illegal gun possession plaguing communities across Massachusetts, particularly on Cape Cod.

Representative Diggs’s legislative package is designed to empower law enforcement and the courts with more robust tools to crack down on these illicit activities.

One of the central tenets of his proposed bills is to significantly increase the penalties for participants in street takeovers. These dangerous events, which saw a staggering 95 occurrences across the state in 2023, not only endanger participants but also put innocent bystanders and first responders at grave risk, turning public roads into chaotic arenas.

Beyond stricter penalties, Diggs’s legislation aims to streamline the process for impounding vehicles involved in these disruptive gatherings.

The current legal framework often presents hurdles, particularly when the vehicle's owner is not present or if the vehicle is unregistered. The proposed changes would make it easier for authorities to tow and seize these vehicles, thereby removing the instruments of these dangerous displays from public streets more effectively.

Furthermore, the former Barnstable police officer is targeting repeat offenders of motor vehicle offenses, advocating for enhanced penalties that would serve as a stronger deterrent.

This is coupled with provisions to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal gun possession, ensuring that individuals who misuse firearms face more stringent consequences. To address the financial burden on victims and communities, the bills also seek to allow courts to order restitution for any property damage incurred during these criminal acts, shifting the cost back to those responsible.

Diggs's deep understanding of law enforcement, cultivated during his extensive career as a police officer, informs his unwavering commitment to public safety.

He emphasizes that the current laws are simply not adequate to handle the brazen nature of these new forms of crime. His efforts are not isolated; they align with a broader recognition by state officials, including Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who has established a task force to address these very issues.

Working collaboratively with town managers, local police departments, and other state officials, Representative Diggs is building a coalition to ensure these critical reforms gain momentum.

His message is clear: the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents are paramount, and it's time for the state to adopt a tougher stance to restore order and peace to its communities.