BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Brown County Sheriff’s officials continue to investigate Monday’s theft and vandalism incident at a Belleuve car dealer.
The tires and rims were stolen from ten vehicles at Dorsch Ford, and another vehicle was also taken to transport the goods.
A similar incident was reported in Madison on Tuesday.
Sheriff’s Sergeant Roman Aronstein says he’s also reached out to officers in other areas that have been affected.
“We had learned that there were similar types of offenses occurring in jurisdictions throughout the state of Michigan. We had learned that there are criminal organizations that move from jurisdiction to jurisdiction committing these types of offenses.”
Aronstein says authorities have noted some similarities.
“Basically, the method in which these types of offenses occurred. The type of bricks that were used to support these vehicles after the tires were stolen and the manner that was done.”
One of the cases Aronstein notes gives some hope to the recent Brown County victim.
“At least one incident that I had reviewed did document an arrest that occurred at a dealership during the commission of the crime.”
With the most recent culprit still at large, Aronstein offers some advice for Brown County car dealers.
“Make sure they have appropriate lighting at their dealerships, having good surveillance video coverage, you can have locking devices that can be placed on high-valued rims and tires.”
In addition to staying in touch with his fellow officers investigating similar crimes, Aronstein says he will continue conducting follow-ups with people who might have information about the crime and review any additional surveillance footage that is provided.”