West Allis resident urges tougher enforcement, curfew use after overnight car break-in

Rebecca Severson, a West Allis resident, told the council on July 15 that her car was broken into at 3:36 a.m. on June 25 and that the incident left her shaken and unable to work the following day. She said responding officers told her the crime was not classified as violent and that options were limited.

Severson said she has since installed security cameras that often record break-ins but that camera evidence alone has not deterred offenders. She said she had discussed the problem with Alderman Ray Turner and with the city attorney, and she urged the council to use available tools, including stricter enforcement of the city's 10 p.m. curfew for minors in cases where juveniles are suspected.

"To me, it was a violent act, an invasion that left me shaken out of work for a day and paying for damages I couldn't afford," Severson said. She proposed a combination of stronger enforcement, deterrents, and practical prevention tools, and asked the council for guidance and support.

City policy prevents the council from taking action during the public participation period, and staff did not make an action motion at the meeting. Mayor Devine noted the West Allis Police Department will hold a neighborhood partnership meeting on July 16 in the same room to discuss crime trends and include a presentation from the community services officer; staff indicated that meeting would be an appropriate forum for follow-up and direct engagement with police about enforcement approaches.

Severson said neighbors share a sense of frustration and a desire for a community-based solution. She asked the council to consider whether the curfew ordinance could be enforced in a way that reduces late-night opportunities for property crimes involving juveniles.