"Putting innocent people's lives in danger:" Whitefish Bay Police Chief warning citizens after rash of vehicle thefts

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Whitefish Bay Police Chief is warning residents after a rash of vehicle thefts in the month of January.

Since January 1, Shorewood Police and Whitefish Bay Police have each taken reports of 7 vehicles stolen that were left running.

The departments say they are now working together to apprehend the criminals.

The thefts have been occurring between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. while residents warm up their vehicles.

The Whitefish Bay Police Chief issued the following statement, "A desire for a warm car or for your convenience is putting innocent people’s lives in danger. The young people who steal these cars drive extremely recklessly whether the police are trying to apprehend them or not. They run red lights, they pass on the right and they frequently drive at speeds greater than 70 mph on city streets! Please do not leave your vehicle unoccupied and running, people are going to get seriously hurt by these criminals recklessly driving your vehicle."

Police ask that you call 911 right away if you see someone getting into an unoccupied vehicle and provide the operator with the direction the car fled, a description of the car, and a description of the suspect.