BROWN DEER, Wis. -- Summer time means more festivals and parades. The Brown Deer Police Department says summer is also the time for a rise in crimes of opportunity, but police are doing what they can to remind everyone that no one is safe.
Brown Deer Police Officer Nick Anderson says there are a few tell-tale signs that drivers give potential thieves by leaving cords in plain sight or objects lying on passenger or driver side seats.
"If you don't lock it up and you leave it. You may lose it," says Anderson. "Also see there's a cell phone plugged in also left behind is a credit card. I may help myself to that."
Every parade and festival draws a crowd and in that crowd could be a thief, because they travel too. Even if you feel safe in your neighborhood, law enforcement says it's smarter to stay vigilant and keep everything locked up.
Marge Cleghorn has lived in Wisconsin all her life and agrees Brown Deer in particular is a relatively safe village. But, that doesn't mean that crimes aren't committed she says.
"We're in a time now that safety is very important. We have to take care of ourselves and that means watching out for ourselves," says Cleghorn.
Although Tyler Bruce hasn't been a resident as long as Marge, he agrees the area is safe. But there are no exceptions he says, it's best to be aware of your surroundings.
"You never know. Someone could rob you at any point. So, it's just best to be safe and keep your doors locked," says Bruce.
Any time a window or door to the house or your car is unlocked, it's giving thieves an easy opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise says BDPD.
"We find that vehicles are entered and sometimes things aren't stolen. It's just that they're gonna rummage through your glove compartment, though your center console, look under your seat. Whatever they can find," says Anderson.
Law enforcement throughout the state says this isn't a scare tactic, more of a reminder, there's always a chance of becoming a target. Therefore, it's best to keep your guard up and belongings locked up, just in case.
