New Berlin and Brookfield police departments sound alarm over reported car entry spike

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Lock your doors, bring your valuables in, and stay alert.

It sounds simple, but just this week, an alarming jump in car entry reports has some drivers concerned.

From Monday night to Tuesday morning, New Berlin police said nine incidents were reported, after June and July had none.

“All of those vehicles were unlocked, and they were all on private property," said Officer Tony Fus. “Nine is indicative of what we’d consider a rash, or there’s a pattern of break-ins.”

Brookfield police told CBS 58 they are investigating 10 car entries that also happened Monday night -- nearly half of the number of reported entries they've received so far this year, in one day.

“What this group of offenders were doing, is they were checking cars to see if they were locked, unlocked. If they were unlocked, they’d rummage through them," Fus said. 

One victim had her purse and money stolen. 

Now officials are encouraging drivers to be vigilant and report anything that could be suspicious as they work to investigate.

“My message to everyone is you’re no bother to us, that’s what we’re there for. Call us, and when you discover it, call us right away," Fus said.