Milwaukee police warn residents about increase in burglaries

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police are warning residents of the City of Milwaukee and surrounding communities about an increase in residential and garage burglaries.

Officials say a significant percentage of these offenses involve suspects gaining access to home through open or unlocked doors and windows, or through windows with air conditioning units.

Police are also warning that criminals are targeting remote control devices for garage doors -- which are obtained through locked and unlocked vehicles.

Milwaukee police are encouraging residents to take action to minimize opportunities for criminals to victimize homes and garages.

As it relates to residential burglaries -- two often forgotten points of easy access for criminals are as follows:

The change in seasons brings cooler temperatures, along with a reminder to remove window air conditioner units and then properly secure all windows on all floors of your home.

Window air conditioner units present a lessened level of security for your home, as they are often pushed in through the window opening, allowing a criminal easy access to your home and property.