MILWAUKEE — While Alexandria Benson enjoys living in the Brewers Hill neighborhood in Milwaukee, she said it comes with a fair amount of property crime. 

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said car break-ins are up 31%

  • The Madison Police Department said there’s been a 9% increase this summer of people stealing from vehicles

  • AAA encourages drivers to keep vehicles locked and parked inside of a garage if able

“My car and my boyfriend’s car have been broken into three times,” said Benson. “The windows have been smashed. He had all four of his tires stolen. He had his license plate stolen and all of our neighbors have experienced their car windows smashed in.”

Benson said the crimes have taken place over the past two years, but she said she’s noticed an increase in activity this summer. 

She said each time her car has been broken into, nothing was stolen. Benson said it’s unnecessary and a hassle. 

“Not only is it expensive to replace the window and if you want to get it re-tinted, it’s also expensive to do that,” said Benson. “It also takes away from my livelihood. I can’t go to my job with a broken window. I work about an hour away.” 

Benson isn’t the only resident dealing with this. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said car break-ins are up 31% and officers are out patrolling areas with a high number of break-ins. 

Other cities across Wisconsin have noticed an uptick in break-ins, including Eau Claire and Madison. 

The Madison Police Department said there’s been a 9% increase this summer of people stealing from vehicles. 

Appleton Police Department said they haven’t noticed a difference. 

“These crimes are most often crimes of opportunity for folks,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for American Automobile Association (AAA). “They want to get in as quickly as possible and make sure it’s worth whatever risk they’re taking.” 

Jarmusz said there are ways to make your vehicle less of a target. 

“Parking in well-lit areas maybe where are there visible security cameras present is going to be helpful in making your vehicle less attractive as a target,” said Jarmusz. “Make sure there’s nothing visible or valuable in the vehicle.”

He said locking your vehicle and parking inside of garage if able are other possible solutions.

But some, including Benson, don’t have that opportunity.

“Please stop. You’re effecting the livelihoods of the people you’re breaking the cars of,” said Benson. “You’re effecting their personal lives.” 

She said she’s hopeful with the recent patrols the break-ins will stop, not just for her and her neighbors, but also for the rest of the community. 

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