GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay police say there’s been a spike in stolen cars across the city.
Green Bay Police say last year, 108 vehicles were reported stolen across the city.
We’re told the number is already at 26 for the year, and in nearly half a dozen cases, the suspected thief is the same age as most middle schoolers.
“We’re seeing a very disturbing trend,” said Green Bay Police Cmdr Kevin Warych.
You get out of the car, you’re just running inside, but you don’t take your keys.
“I have yes but I’d say 9 times out of ten I do not leave my keys even at a gas station,” said driver Justin Chiconas.
Green Bay police say having your car stolen isn’t the only risk you’re taking. Leaving your keys in your car unattended is tempting to some who shouldn’t be driving in the first place.
“We have had two cases where there was a fifteen-year-old driving around in a stolen vehicle throughout the city of Green Bay and another disturbing instance where a twelve-year-old stole up to, what we believe is five cars,” said Cmdr. Warych.
They’re just kids, and they’ve never learned how to drive a car.
It’s just really alarming when you see a juvenile stealing a car,” said Cmdr Warych. “It’s dangerous to them and it’s dangerous to everybody.”
Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith has been pushing an ordinance to fine anyone who leaves their cars unlocked and their keys inside. The ordinance didn’t make it through Green Bay’s City Council.
It was sent back to the committee level for a second look because of high public response.
Drivers we spoke to agree, a fine isn’t the answer.
“It’s still a free country in my book. If something gets stolen it’s their loss,” said Bret Ploeckelmann, another driver.
Green Bay Police say the crime is bigger than that.
“That’s a lot of officer’s time. That’s a lot of time processing cars,” said Warych. “Take the couple of minutes, sit in your car as it warms up.”
“That was something my mom always drilled into my head,” said Chiconas.
So, remember what your mother said.
“Lock the car doors,” said Chiconas.
