Waukesha County vehicles stolen, unlocked with keys left inside

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. - Lock your doors and close your garage – that's the message in Waukesha County after thieves recently stole wallets, purses and even cars.

In some cases, owners have left their cars unlocked with the keys inside. 

"We have to be diligent," said Hartland resident Elizabeth Timm. "We gotta think of it that's happening in the area."

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Hartland police said criminals are finding garage door openers in unlocked cars and getting into people's garages – looking to steal cars and cash.

"They’re just checking door handles. If they’re not successful, they’re moving on to the next place," said Hartland Police Chief Torin Misko. 

Village of Hartland

Misko said a dozen homeowners called police late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. In half the cases, the chief said criminals got what they wanted – purses and wallets.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said it is worse in neighboring communities; five cars were stolen in places like Sussex and Merton. In nearly all of those cases, investigators said the cars were unlocked with the keys inside.

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"If you leave your car unlocked and leave your keys in your car – you basically deserve what you get," said Mike Peck, a Hartland resident of 44 years. "We always put them in the garage – regardless. And keep our garage door closed."

Hartland police said there is video of the crooks in action, but they're not ready to release any of it yet. Misko believes the same group could be responsible for all the crimes.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity or may have surveillance video of such an incident is asked to call the sheriff's department at 262-548-7122 or to the Waukesha County Communications Center at 262-446-5070.