Wauwatosa Car Thieves Target Kias, Hyundais And Hondas: Police

WAUWATOSA, WI — The Wauwatosa Police Department responded to six calls for car-related crimes in the last week and a half, including vehicle theft, catalytic converter theft or vehicle break-in.

Five reports involved an imported car such as a newer model Hyundai, Kia or Honda. Catalytic converter thefts are up across the country as the price of the precious metals inside has gone up.

See also: Bulk Of Shorewood's Increase In Stolen Cars Are Hyundai Or Kia

The Wauwatosa Police Department reported a 244 percent increase in motor vehicle thefts since the year started. Here are the police reports involving vehicle-related crime between June 18 and Thursday.

• A driver reported that the catalytic converter was stolen out of a vehicle on Ramona Avenue.
• A driver's 2020 Kia Sportage was stolen from the Mayfair Mall parking lot on Mayfair Road. The vehicle eluded police and hasn't been located, police said.
• A driver reported that the catalytic converter was stolen out of a Hyundai on West North Avenue.
• A driver reported that a 2017 Hyundai Sonata was stolen without the keys on Martha Washington Drive.
• A driver reported that someone broke into and tried to steal a 2015 Kia Soul.
• Someone reported that someone stole the catalytic converter from a 2004 Honda CR-V on Bluemound Road.