Don't become a victim: MPD Installs more anti-theft devices in automobiles



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the number of vehicle thefts grow in the city, the Milwaukee Police Department has a great way to prevent crooks from peeling off with your automobile.

Vehicle after vehicle, technicians are laboring because crooks have been hard at work.

"Car thefts in 2014 were up about 140% in the greater Milwaukee area," said Jim Tolkan, President of Automobile Dealers Association of Mega-Milwaukee.

So the Milwaukee Police Department partnered with the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega-Milwaukee thought an alternative way to help prevent the crime. Saturday a line of vehicles snaked outside of the Department of Public Works field headquarters so folks could have a theft deterrent device installed.

"There was about 10 vehicles that were vehicles targeted for theft. Those vehicles range from 2006 and older from Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, whether it was a caravan jeep or Honda Civic or Honda Accord," said William Singleton, with the Milwaukee Police Department.

These drivers don't want to become a statistic and were more than grateful for the free service.

For an added layer or protection, those who wish to do so can take part in the "Catch Auto Thieves," or CAT program and a decal would be placed in the rear window of the vehicle.

"What the program states is if your vehicle is on the road between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. and we see that vehicle that has a sticker, you give us permission to stop that vehicle to ensure that you are the person driving or you give permission to that person driving your vehicle," said Tolkan.

It's the second time around for the initiative which has proved to be a success.

"October 25th and November 1st of last year was the first 2 weeks we installed about 180 vehicles, and since then out of those 180 vehicles -- only 3 of them have been stolen," said Tolkan.

Police obviously didn't want to give away what type of device it is, so the thieves remain unaware.

If you missed today's installation and would like to get an anti-theft device, there will be another opportunity to do so.

Installations will take place again next Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 3 different locations in Milwaukee.

CLICK HERE for more information and also to see if your vehicle meets the criteria of the 10 most targeted.