NEW GLARUS - A simple step can prevent theft, New Glarus Police Chief Steve Allbaugh said.
The police department received reports of theft from parked, unattended and unlocked vehicles over the past several days. According to the police department, five thefts were reported last week in the village.
Officers are also investigating a vehicle theft that took place between 9 and 11 p.m. Saturday in the 800 block of 10th Avenue. Police report the Ford Taurus was unlocked and the keys were inside the vehicle when it was taken. The car was later located in the 1000 block of 8th Street. No suspects have been identified.
Allbaugh warned people to lock their vehicles, remove items of value from the vehicle or hide valuables from view.
"These crimes, referred to as 'car shopping,' usually occur during hours of darkness and are crimes of opportunity," he said, in a press release Monday. "By taking simple steps to prevent the opportunity of a would-be thief, you can save yourself a lot of time and money."
Allbaugh said the car theft could have been avoided if the keys hadn't been left inside the vehicle. He said it was fortunate the vehicle wasn't damaged.
Allbaugh also said people should be aware of suspicious activity, such as someone walking down the street checking parked vehicle doors. Anyone who finds discarded items, such as purses, wallets, papers or other property should contact the police department.
Anyone with information can contact the department at (608) 527-2145.
The police department received reports of theft from parked, unattended and unlocked vehicles over the past several days. According to the police department, five thefts were reported last week in the village.
Officers are also investigating a vehicle theft that took place between 9 and 11 p.m. Saturday in the 800 block of 10th Avenue. Police report the Ford Taurus was unlocked and the keys were inside the vehicle when it was taken. The car was later located in the 1000 block of 8th Street. No suspects have been identified.
Allbaugh warned people to lock their vehicles, remove items of value from the vehicle or hide valuables from view.
"These crimes, referred to as 'car shopping,' usually occur during hours of darkness and are crimes of opportunity," he said, in a press release Monday. "By taking simple steps to prevent the opportunity of a would-be thief, you can save yourself a lot of time and money."
Allbaugh said the car theft could have been avoided if the keys hadn't been left inside the vehicle. He said it was fortunate the vehicle wasn't damaged.
Allbaugh also said people should be aware of suspicious activity, such as someone walking down the street checking parked vehicle doors. Anyone who finds discarded items, such as purses, wallets, papers or other property should contact the police department.
Anyone with information can contact the department at (608) 527-2145.