WFB on Alert after String of Home Burglaries

By Aaron Diamant

Archived Content

  • Print

A dose of drama on the North Shore. Whitefish Bay Police are now on alert after eight home break-ins and burglaries south of Silver Spring in just the last two weeks.

"We'd like people to remain calm and remain vigilant and observant around their neighborhoods, and understand that sometimes these things do spring up, but the police department is aware of it," said Interim Village Manager Matt Schvenke.

Crooks have gotten away with everything from TV's to jewelry, computers to cash. It's a string of crimes that has neighbors stunned.

"It's kind of frightening," said resident Jason Short. "We moved up here thinking it was going to be a nice safe area, so it's kind of surprising to see all the crime."

In at least two cases, burglars got in through doors left unlocked. Plus, police report at least four thefts from unlocked or open garages.

"It makes it easier sometimes for these kind of passerby crimes to happen," explained Schvenke. "These are very basic things that can happen anytime, anywhere, when you're not looking."

There have also been a rash of car break-ins. All of it has neighbors keeping their eyes open.

"I know the cars in the block," said resident Abdul Ali. "I just make sure that the cars I see here [belong to] people who live here, and if they're not, pay more attention. If I see people walking on the sidewalks, pay attention to who they are, if they belong in the neighborhood, or if they don't."

Police in Shorewood and Glendale say they've also seen a round of similar cases. Anyone with information is asked to call Whitefish Bay Police at (414) 962-4619.