The University of Wisconsin Police Department acknowledged the recent trend of vehicle break-ins throughout the downtown Madison area Thursday.
""There were ten [vehicle break-ins] since April 15, the rate is higher than normal,"" Lt. Eric Holen of UWPD said.
According to Joel DeSpain, spokesperson for the Madison Police Department, thieves are typically looking for items of value, mostly including electronic items and purses.
Currently, MPD has not registered any vehicle break-in case with a violent outcome.
""It typically happens when people are away from their vehicles, and sometimes happens in underground parking areas,"" DeSpain said. ""It will typically occur late at night and people find their cars have been broken into.""
Holen said in order to prevent theft from a vehicle, people should lock their cars and reduce the amount of valuables present in the vehicle or hide them from view.
Location of parked cars is also important when trying to avoid theft, according to police officials.
""We would encourage people to park their cars in the levels of the parking ramp closest to the most activity, so that there are more people in those areas,"" Holen said.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to call the police department and share their information.
—Patricia Mo
