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Chief Flynn, Mayor Barrett encourage stricter penalties for teenagers accused of stealing vehicles
Chief Flynn, Mayor Barrett encourage stricter penalties for teenagers accused of stealing vehicles
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's become an epidemic in Milwaukee. Auto thefts are on the rise, and Milwaukee police say oftentimes, stolen vehicles are used in other crimes. Many of these vehicles are being stolen by teenagers -- some of them, with the keys in the ignition.
Bernard and Mary Hanson
One week ago, Milwaukee police were on the scene of a crash they described as "horrific." 74-year-old Bernard Hanson and 64-year-old Mary Hanson died at the scene. 18-year-old Michael Hobbs has been criminally charged in the case. Police say Hobbs admitted to stealing an SUV from an alley near 33rd and National in Milwaukee. The vehicle had been reported stolen on February 19th.
On Sunday, February 22nd, Hobbs said he and a group of people "stopped at Walmart and smoked marijuana before proceeding to 89th and Wilbur to pick up a friend." Hobbs indicated that Wilbur "looked like a speed spot and he started speeding for fun. When he approached 84th Street, one of the passengers noted that 84th Street was busy so he slowed down."
Michael Hobbs
After picking up a friend, the complaint says Hobbs drove the SUV back towards 84th Street and sped up again. Data from the vehicle's airbag control module says the SUV reached a speed of 78 miles-per-hour before Hobbs went through the intersection of 84th and Wilbur without stopping -- and slammed into another car.
FOX6 News has learned this isn't the first time Hobbs has been in trouble for allegedly stealing a vehicle. In fact, at the beginning of the year, he was found guilty for taking a vehicle without consent and disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to serve nine months in prison, but that sentence was stayed and he was placed on probation for a year.
In February, court documents say he stole again. He was charged with operating a vehicle without consent, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation records, Hobbs was never issued a driver's license.
Milwaukee police say this crash serves as a reminder of how dangerous auto thefts can be.
In just one year, the number of vehicles stolen in Milwaukee has jumped by 52%. We're just two months into the year, and already, 850 vehicles have been stolen. In 2014, police say there were 6,600 stolen vehicles -- up from 4,300 in 2013.
"One day last week we had 22 cars reported stolen to MPD. Twenty of them had the keys left in them," Milwaukee Police Chief Flynn said.
Chief Flynn says the problem is many of those who are stealing cars are teenagers who have committed the crime in the past. In 2014, police arrested 363 juveniles for operating a vehicle without the owner's consent. That was up from 180 arrests in 2013 -- a 103% increase. The average age of those arrested is 14 years old.
We're told certain vehicles are targeted more than others.
"Dodge Caravans, Intrepids, Stratus, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Neons," Chief Flynn said.
Chief Flynn and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett gathered at 84th and Wilbur on Sunday, March 1st to ask for stricter penalties for these repeat offenders.
"Not simply treat them as property crimes, which are always treated less seriously than violent crimes. If nothing happens to juvenile offenders who commit felonies, why should we be surprised if they end up in prison as adults? The juvenile system is the one opportunity to get it right," Chief Flynn said.
"This is not joy riding. This is taking a car and turning it into a deadly weapon," Mayor Barrett said.
They're also asking drivers to avoid falling victim to this crime. A simple way to do that is to avoid leaving your keys inside your running vehicle (for example, while warming it up).
Chief Flynn says in some cases, adult offenders are showing teenagers how to steal cars, and in some cases, it can lead to deadly results.
With so many cars snatched by crooks, stores like O'Reilly Auto Parts are fielding lots of questions about security devices like the club.
"People calling over the phone, asking if we have any in stock. Some people will just walk in and purchase one or two here and there," an O'Reilly employee said.
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