RACINE COUNTY - Cars stolen from Milwaukee were found ditched and driven through a fence at the Manheim Milwaukee Auto Auction lot in Racine County early Sunday morning.
According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 3 a.m.There were three vehicles located at the scene and it was later discovered two of the vehicles were stolen from the City of Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, and the other taken right from the lot.
“Basically, I think it’s just kids out joyriding," Brian Schweinert said.
Schweinert lives in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. He may be speculating what led to the overnight theft, but one thing he said he's sure of is how it can be prevented.
“I think the biggest thing for prevention is just making these criminals aware that there’s something in the vehicle." Schweinert said. "[Something like an alarm system] that’s going to bring attention."
Another stolen vehicle believed to be linked to the Manheim theft was recovered in Milwaukee County with heavy front end damage, police say.
"To me that would suggest that there's some sort of organizer or system outside of the county where they're bringing the vehicles," Alderman Tony Zielinski said.
Alderman Tony Zielinski said this incident sheds light on a much bigger issue.
"From a holistic perspective, I think that the laws are too lenient when it comes to these types of serious types of crimes," Alderman Zielinski said.
A lieutenant with the Racine County Sheriff’s Office confirms the number of stolen vehicles from the Manheim lot is unknown. This is the second incident of car theft linked to the Manheim Milwaukee Auto Auction lot within the last three months.
Law enforcement says their investigation is ongoing.
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