MILWAUKEE — Residents in one local neighborhood told TMJ4 News at least a dozen car break-ins in less than two weeks has one Milwaukee community on edge.
The Cooper Park neighborhood is on the city’s far west side – near the border with Wauwatosa.
“Not sure what’s going on, but there has been a lot lately," said resident Dormecia Cole.
Another resident said he was shocked to hear the news.
“We never had really issues over here, so it’s alarming to hear," said another resident, who didn't share his name.
People in the Cooper Park area of Milwaukee are understandably concerned about a spike in car break-ins since August 1.
A ring doorbell camera caught this August 6th car break-in on camera showing one man with a drill and another, with what appears to be a handgun.
“Now they’re carrying guns and it's like ‘what do we do as residents? Continue to sit around and do nothing?’” asked resident Joel Valdez.
Valdez reached out to TMJ4 News, frustrated the break-ins keep happening.
Other victims of the break-ins have taken to social media, posting about what happened to them.
Police said they are aware of at least since August 6. They are asking anyone with information about the break-ins to call them with information.
The owner of this car that was broken into on August 6 says he wants to make sure Black people aren't profiled as investigators look to find the people responsible for the crimes.
Other residents say they're going to remain alert. And maintain strong communication in person and online to keep the area safe.
“We definitely need to get it figured out and resolved sooner, than later.” said one resident.
TMJ4 reached out to Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd regarding a response to the rash of break-ins. We will update the story once one is issued.
MPD sent this email response to TMJ4 News:
MPD is aware of at least 6 entry to auto incidents that occurred in the Cooper Park Neighborhood from 8/1/20-until 08/12/20. MPD continues to seek unknown suspects. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7272 or Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.
