Uptick in stolen vehicles prompts Milwaukee police to hand out free anti-theft devices

MILWAUKEE -- In Milwaukee, vehicles are disappearing off the streets in seconds. Friday evening, October 16th one man's van was broken into, and just like that it was gone. Milwaukee police say there is an easy way to protect your car.

Van theft

Saturday, October 17th Milwaukee Police District 5 was offering free anti-theft steering wheel locks to owners of the five most stolen cars in the area.

Police sent out over 3,400 letters to registered owners of these vehicles in the district. With proof of ownership, drivers were able to pick up these locks from police at the Walmart on Capitol Drive.

Anti-theft steering wheel locks

"We're just trying to be proactive. Fall is coming, sometimes in history, we've always seen maybe a little uptick in the cars being taken. Unfortunately, it's something that's a trend that's going on right now and we would really like to see those numbers go back," said Edward Ciano, Milwaukee Police Department District 5 community liaison officer.

Police say the most stolen cars in the area are Dodge and Chrysler minivans, as well as Honda Accords and Civics -- all older than 2007.