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West Allis resident urges stronger enforcement of 10 p.m. curfew after string of car break-ins
Summary
A West Allis resident told the Common Council her car was broken into in late June and urged enforcement of the city's 10 p.m. curfew and other steps to deter repeat property crime captured on home security cameras.
Rebecca Severson, a West Allis resident, told the Common Council on July 8 that her car was broken into in the early morning hours of June 25 and called on the city to pursue stronger deterrents, including stricter enforcement of the existing juvenile curfew.
“I was told that there wasn't much that can be done since it wasn't considered a violent crime,” Severson said, describing the June 25, 3:36 a.m. break-in. She said the incident left her shaken, forced her to miss work and left her facing repair costs she could not afford.
Severson said she and neighbors have installed security cameras and that many break-ins have been recorded. She told the council that some footage appears to show minors and takes place late at night and asked why curfew rules are not being enforced with fines or other consequences.
Alderman Ray Turner, whom Severson said she had spoken with, is pursuing conversations with the city attorney’s office; Severson told the council she has already discussed potential tools with “Cale,” the city attorney named in the meeting record. Severson urged a combination of “stronger enforcement, better deterrents and practical tools for prevention.”
The council's public participation rules were explained to speakers at the start of the meeting: public comment is informational only and the council does not take immediate action during that period. Severson said she is willing to be part of a solution and asked for the council’s help and guidance.
The remarks came during the public participation portion of the July 8 meeting and were not tied to any immediate council directive or vote recorded on the council floor that evening.
Officials at the meeting announced a neighborhood partnership meeting hosted by the West Allis Police Department on July 16, during which attendees will receive updates on local crime trends and hear from the community services officer. Severson referenced those ongoing law-enforcement conversations when she said she had been in contact with Alderman Turner and the city attorney.
City staff did not present a formal enforcement proposal during public participation, and no motion or vote on curfew enforcement occurred during the July 8 meeting.
