Theft From Autos in Westmorland Neighborhood

Image credit: City of Madison

Hello Community Neighbors and Residents,

The Madison Police Department  - Midtown District is reaching out to alert our neighbors about a recent crime pattern that has emerged, specifically Thefts From Automobiles, in the Westmorland Neighborhood.

Theft from automobiles happen across the city with some regularity, but earlier today the Madison Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit alerted Midtown of a recent spike, specifically in the Westmorland Neighborhood, starting on or about August 21st – August 23rd.

In general, what we are seeing are cars parked overnight on the street and in driveways, are being entered and coin, purses, etc. (whatever is potentially available) are being taken.  Thus far, from the reports we have received, only unlocked vehicles have been entered.

We are sending out this message for a several reasons:

1. To inform our neighbors about this recent spike in theft from automobiles.
2. To remind our neighbors of the importance of locking car doors--or getting them in a locked garage overnight
3. To request, when possible, to secure valuables in your homes overnight and not in your cars.

If you find that you have been victimized, please consider:

1. Calling the Dane County 911 Center (non-emergency - 608-255-2345) to file a police report.  
   1. You may be directed by the Dane County 911 Center to file a self-report if there is no evidence of those involved.
   2. If you do happen to have security camera footage, or perhaps evidence that may have been left behind by the involved subjects, we would appreciate your requesting an officer be sent out to investigate.
2. Alerting your neighbors for awareness purposes if you feel comfortable doing so
3. If you observe suspicious behavior or believe there is a theft in progress, please call 911

What is the Madison Police Department doing in response to this recent spike in Theft From Automobiles:

Image credit: City of Madison

1. We will be directing our overnight patrol officers to spend extra time in your neighborhood
2. We will be reviewing all reported incidents to see if any follow-up or evidence exists that may assist in identifying the involved subject/s
3. Alerting adjacent Alders and neighborhood associations for awareness purposes
4. We may knock on your door in the evening if we find you have an open garage door. We would only do so if your lights are on and it is before 11PM. Why open garage doors? We generally find that sometimes Thefts from Autos and open garage doors are crimes of opportunity, and we don't ever want your valuables to be taken or for someone to enter your home or garage
5. MPD Crime Analysts will be reviewing other neighborhoods throughout the city where this has also recently occurred to see if any investigative leads have been generated in an effort to identify those involved