Mayor Cavalier Johnson called on parents and the public Friday to help address the recent uptick in car break-ins and carjackings.
In many cases perpetrators were groups of young people, Police Inspector David Feldmeier said.
“I want parents to intervene in kids’ lives if they have any indication that they may be involved in the kind of activity we’re talking about today,” Johnson said.
He called for “strict accountability” for anyone who may be arrested for car thefts or break-ins.
“You cannot offload your responsibility as a parent onto society,” Johnson said. “The police have their role. I have my role. The district attorney, the prosecutors, they have their role. Parents have the biggest role of all.”
Feldmeier said police have increased patrols in several neighborhoods where the crimes have been most impactful. He recommended people to park in garages or well-lit areas.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or the non-emergency police line.
Since the uptick in crime, some residents have formed community watch groups to patrol the area. Feldmeier asked such groups to report what they were seeing to police, but cautioned against engaging with perpetrators as they could be dangerous.
Milwaukee police data shows that in Milwaukee the number of motor vehicle thefts, thefts and burglaries has increased in the last 12 weeks.
Motor vehicle theft has risen 41%, from 1,288 instances between March and late May, to 1,810 from late May to mid-August. Meanwhile, theft and burglary have increased 27% and 22%, respectively in the same time frame.
Overall, most categories of crime have declined in Milwaukee this year, when comparing this year to 2023 and 2022. However, year-to-date, motor vehicle theft has risen 7% compared to last year and is down 28% from 2022.
Carjackings mirror that. This year, there have been 337 carjackings, or a 26% increase over 2023 and a 33% increase over 2022.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mayor Johnson addresses uptick in car thefts, break-ins after uptick