Over the last 24 hours, we have received at least five reports of theft, or potential theft, from vehicles. In at least one instance, a garage door opener was taken from an unlocked car.
We began receiving these calls around 10:00 p.m. Friday. While investigating one of the reports, an officer observed a dark SUV flee from the area at a high rate of speed. Additional reports of theft from last night were made to us this morning.
These incidents were reported from the following streets:
•5400 block of Lacy Road
•5400 block of Quarry Hill Drive
•5600 block of Byrneland Street
•5600 block of Polworth Street
•Patrick Way
This type of activity has occurred throughout our city over the course of the last two years and continues to occur throughout Dane county on a seemingly daily basis. Most, if not close to all, of our theft from vehicle incidents involve unlocked vehicles.
The primary suspects in most of the instances are juveniles looking for car keys or garage door openers to gain access to a home (and additional keys/vehicles). In multiple cases, garage door openers have been taken from an unlocked vehicle and suspects have returned days later to enter the garage/home.
These instances, particularly when entry is made to a home, are understandably alarming and unnerving. While we continue to respond to these cases, investigate, and make arrests when sufficient evidence exists, we must rely on our community to help.
How You Can Help:
- Keep your vehicle and your home locked. This includes the door from your garage into your home.
- Keep exterior lights on or utilize motion lights.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Remove valuables from vehicles. If you park outside, remove your garage door opener from your car. Never leave your keys in your car.
- Keep your garage door closed when not in use.
- Report suspicious activity or behavior immediately. Report any criminal activity to us, even if nothing of value was taken.
We also ask residents to keep an eye out for each other to ensure garage doors are kept closed.
In regards to the events from Friday night, we ask residents near the above addresses to check any home surveillance cameras for unusual activity.
As always, you can reach us at anytime by calling our non-emergency dispatch number, (608)270-4300. We encourage residents to program this number into their phone to aid in a faster response.
Date of Release: 9/28/19
