Milwaukee car break-ins, man says window smashed during Bucks game
MILWAUKEE - A man told FOX6 News his car was broken into during the Milwaukee Bucks game on Thursday night – and he wasn't alone.
Car break-in
The Bucks lost to the Nets. But after Andy Lutze left Fiserv Forum, he was met with a loss of his own. He said someone broke into his car. Only a multi-tool was stolen, but the damage to his window will cost $312 to repair.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"It was my wife’s first Bucks game. We've been here 10 years, and she was excited to go," said Lutze. "When she got to the car, she had to go home with the wind blowing on her in the freezing cold. She's just like, ‘I’m never going to a Bucks game ever again.’"
Lutze said he parked his car near 7th and McKinley, a few blocks from the arena. As FOX6 News found, broken car windows and shattered glass lined the street on Friday – though it's unclear how long it has been there.
Andy Lutze inspects damage to car after break-in
"It’s convenient to park here but not safe," said Lutze.
Lutze said he called police. He was given the option to file a report online or drive to a precinct, so he went to the downtown District 1 station for help.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
"The officer there was really nice, very gentlemanly, but he was real with me and said your insurance probably won’t cover it," he said. "He was like, you can if you want, but it was more like it happens all the time."
After weighing his options, Lutze said it wasn't worth filing.
"I’m just trying to get the word out that we can’t let this happen," he said.
Vantage point of Fiserv Forum from 7th and McKinley
MPD response
FOX6 News asked the Milwaukee Police Department for data on downtown car break-ins and was told to file an open records request.
In the event of a car break-in, MPD said to file a report online because it helps the department determine crime "hot spots" and deploy resources to those areas.