Police say criminals targeting bus riders and homes on north side

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police say two types of crimes are on the rise on the city's north side. Police say criminals are targeting bus riders and there has been an uptick in home burglaries.

Police say the criminals have been targeting bus riders heading to and from bus stops because hats, hoods and ear buds make it harder for them to focus on their surroundings.

"In the area of about Sherman Boulevard to 60th Street, they're following victims at which point they'll approach from behind and they'll demand items and valuables, and if they resist, sometimes a battery occurs," Milwaukee Police Officer Bobby Lindsey said.

Officer Lindsey says home burglaries are also on the rise -- partially thanks to the recent holiday season.

"Criminals do their window shopping as well and we tend to leave signs of what's going on inside our homes by the boxes for TVs, game systems. They see that and it offers them an opportunity to target your home," Officer Lindsey said.

Police say combating both of these crimes comes down to awareness.

"Simple things like locking your doors and locking your windows, making sure they stay locked. Let people know when you're leaving when you're arriving and really kind of have your eyes open," Officer Lindsey said.