Wauwatosa Police warning of several car thefts

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) – The Wauwatosa Police Department says there have been several car thefts from parking lots in the city throughout the last month.

There were four attempted and 12 auto thefts. 

Authorities say most of the cars were locked and taken without keys. All of the stolen cars were pre-2007 Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps.

“We’ve seen several where some of the same suspects are seen and some in the same vehicle. There is a definitely a correlation in these auto  thefts, the pre-2007 they are targeting and some of the suspects that are involved," said Cpt. Brian Zalewski with Wauwatosa Police. 

Surveillance video shows one suspect in a dark green caravan driving into a parking lot on Mayfair Road. He gets out of the van and approached a 2006 Jeep Liberty. 

"He breaks out a window in the back door and unlocks the car here," said Zalewski.

But was unsuccessful and took off. 

Businesses and local residence have been impacted with recent increase in car thefts. 

"This is not just a Luther Manor issue, this is an entire city wide issue even beyond Wauwatosa. We always gear up for safety and security we've increased patrols around our campus," said Stephanie Chedid, Luther Manor CEO.

Police officers are working with businesses like Luther Manor to prevent these thefts from happening. 

"That's where we are deploying are resources we are making contact with business, working with crime prevention or general investigative presence in the area," said Zalewski. 

Police remind residents to be alert and recommended getting an anti-theft device like a steering wheel lock if you own a similar vehicle.