Milwaukee, WI
Downtown Milwaukee car thefts, break-ins an ‘epidemic,’ police say
Downtown Milwaukee automobile thefts, break-ins an ‘epidemic,’ police say
Downtown Milwaukee automobile thefts and break-ins have been described by a Milwaukee police captain as an “epidemic,” particularly round Fiserv Discussion board, and MPD is rising patrols to attempt to curb the issue.
MILWAUKEE – Downtown Milwaukee automobile thefts and break-ins have been described by a Milwaukee police captain as an “epidemic,” particularly round Fiserv Discussion board, and MPD is rising patrols to attempt to curb the issue.
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As Bucks followers ventured into the Deer District Sunday afternoon to observe the NBA champions defend their title in Sport 1 in opposition to the Bulls, the statistics Milwaukee police are being attentive to occurred off the court docket.
“5, 10 years in the past, any individual may steal a automobile and joyride that automobile for the higher a part of a day,” mentioned MPD Captain James Campbell. “We’re seeing individuals steal 4, 5, six automobiles in the middle of a day and take brief joyrides after which steal one other automobile.”
Campbell is the District 1 commander, masking downtown. All weekend, Milwaukee police responded to 9 stolen automobile calls and 17 automobile break-ins simply within the Fiserv Discussion board space, a few of which occurred throughout the recreation.
“It is a a lot larger downside than only a police downside,” mentioned Campbell.
Police try to adapt. In a Wednesday evening crime and security assembly, Campbell mentioned extra officers are patrolling parking areas, looking for suspicious exercise, particularly round Kias and Hyundais as a result of these automobiles have confirmed simpler to steal.
“It is going out on social media, and children are doing it at an alarming price,” mentioned Campbell.
Nonetheless, Campbell mentioned house owners of these autos ought to depend on older expertise like a steering wheel lock to guard themselves.
“Clearly, it is Nineteen Nineties expertise, and it could include a Zima and an Eddie Bauer pullover if you happen to purchase it but it surely’s one thing that basically, all joking apart, is without doubt one of the largest deterrents that we are able to have,” mentioned Campbell.
Campbell mentioned officers are additionally constructing case profiles for thieves stealing a number of automobiles. The hope is by discovering high-volume offenders, the district legal professional’s workplace can have a stronger case to prosecute.