MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Police Department says the Westmorland Neighborhood on Madison's west side is seeing an increase in theft from cars.
This is happening with Labor Day weekend just days away, so police have a warning for anyone in the city who plans to leave their cars behind for the holiday weekend.
"We're going to encourage people not to leave valuables in their cars," Captain Jason Freedman said. "Certainly nothing visible, but if somebody can get into the car, they'll find a purse that's under the seat. So keep your valuables out of the car."
MPD says theft from cars happen across the city with some regularity, but the recent spike in the Westmorland Neighborhood started between Aug. 21 through Aug. 23.
Police are seeing cars that are parked overnight on the street and in driveways are being targeted, entered and whatever items of value that are available are being stolen. So far, reports only show unlocked vehicles have been stolen from.
Freedman says anyone who plans on leaving a car behind this weekend should take steps to make it harder for someone to commit a crime.
"This is a good weekend to start to lock your doors and windows, to lock your cars, park it in the garage, don't leave valuables in plain view, whether it's in your car or in your living room," Freedman said.
He says several factors go into the theft spike over Labor Day, such as the warmer weather, people leaving their homes and students going elsewhere for the weekend.
Anyone who finds themselves a victim of theft is encouraged to call the Dane County 911 Center's non-emergency line at 608-255-2345.
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