Three armed robberies were reported on March 14th and 15th, 2008

1. Noodles & Company, 7700 block W. State St., 14th at 10:28pm
2. Street Robbery 7600 block W. State St., 15th at 12:40am
3. Days Inn, 11800 block W. State St., 15th at 9:42pm

Each robbery was conducted by two black males sometimes wearing hooded sweatshirts, ski masks and/or a do-rag to cover their faces. In each case it seems one suspect would act as a lookout while the other approached the register or victims.

In each of these robberies at least one gun was displayed. Seen leaving the scene of two of the robberies was a newer black automobile, maybe a Chevrolet Malibu. The suspects are further described as 5'8" to 6'1", late teens to early twenties and thin to medium build.

Two armed robberies were reported on March 9th, 12th, and 29th, 2008

1. 7300 block of Milwaukee Avenue, 9th at 10:25pm
2. 7300 block of Harwood Avenue, 12th at 11:04pm
3. 7100 block of West State Street, 29th at 9:10pm

In each case a lone black male described as being 5'7" to 5'10", dark complexion, heavier build at 180 to 200 pounds and 35 to 45 years of age. The suspect usually starts a conversation with some small talk and then displays a hand gun and demands money.

Possibley vehicles in these armed robberies are:

• A large 80's 4 door, possibly a Ford or Mercury, dark blue or gray in color.
• An early 90's BMW, loud exhaust, red in color.

You are reminded to remain alert at all times and contact the police immediately for suspicious circumstances and persons.

If your are the victim of a robbery, remain calm and do exactly as the robber asks, nothing less or nothing more. As soon as it is safe notify police and do not compare notes with other victims or witnesses; keeping separate and not talking to others will allow the investigating officers to gather the best evidence.

 Anyone with information regarding any of these or other crimes commintted in the City of Wauwatosa can remain anonymous and call the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers at 771-TOSA. Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for cash rewards up to $1,000.00

Those really cool GPS devices that many people are using have become the new target for bad guys. Unlike most thefts from vehicles when the bad guys only target unlocked vehicles, they are going that extra step and forcing entry to the vehicles to get to the GPS. Victims are not only losing these expensive electronic devices but are also suffering several hundred dollars in damage to the vehicle as the bad guys break windows, windshields and/or door locks.

Those GPS's are then being sold for pennies on the dollar or even traded for small amounts of narcotics. The answer? Remove not only the GPS from your vehicle but everything associated with it including mounting platforms and power cords.

You can never take away the bad guy's desire or ability, but you can take away their opportunity. Take a few extra seconds and remove anything from your vehicle that might be attractive to the bad guy.

The following is an email written by Kathy Ehly who is the Interim Executive Director of the Wauwatosa BID. These are her comments, but as a crime prevention officer  I support them and her tone completely. The incidents took place during the early afternoon hours of Thursday 01-24-08. The suspect in these cases is a white female, heavy set, in her 20's with brown hair. She was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a pink top, brown jacket and a cream scarf.

 Kathy's email:

 On Thursday afternoon, A person writing checks on the account of Lydia N.
Steifvater has been in the Village this afternoon paying for her purchases
by check. I have verified that her account at Associated Bank is closed and
the checks are fraudulent.

If you took a check from this person, please call the police and report it.
They will only write up a report and investigate if YOU call. We need to
give them the full picture of where this women made her purchases.

IN THE FUTURE, IF YOU ARE SUSPICIOUS OF A PERSON EVEN IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN
THE CHECK, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.

I know of at least four businesses, each of whom has lost hundreds of
dollars, because of this. This experience reinforces why it is important
for us to implement the Block Watch program. Each block of businesses in
the Village needs a block captain and the cooperation of everyone. I hope,
when you get the call to volunteer to serve as a block captain you will
seriously consider it.

Sincerely,

Kathy Ehley

Interim Executive Director

Wauwatosa BID

Recently there have been some burglaries, primarily in the northwest portion of the City. It seems that large screen TV's and small electronic items are the target of the burglaries.

A late 1990's to early 2000's Ford Explorer, black in color with deeply tinted windows has been seen in the area of some of the burglaries. The most recent sighting of the Explorer had two black males, one wearing a light colored baseball cap as occupants. If you should see a vehicle matching this description, any other supicious vehicles, person or activities you are asked to notify the Wauwatosa Police Department immediately by dialing 414-471-8430.

If it is a crime in progress or you believe any delay in police response would allow the vehicle or people to leave the scene dialing 911 is appropriate.