Campus police arrested five suspects in two separate burglaries last week, one of which ended in a police chase. None of the arrested suspects were students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, but all five arrested had criminal backgrounds.

On Nov. 13, police were sent to the UWM Bookstore after staff reported a man stealing books from the store. The suspect left in a vehicle, but bookstore staff members recorded the license plate number and gave it to police.

Police later stopped the car on Kenwood Boulevard, and arresting two men and one woman on a number of charges. The charges included retail theft, possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. One suspect had an active warrant for violating probation.

All three were referred to the Milwaukee County District Courts. UWM Police Sgt. Art Koch commended the effort by staff members and officers.

“This is another good example of the campus community working together to stop crime on the UW-Milwaukee campus,” said Koch.

Koch said suspects involved in textbook thefts typically steal books and sell them shortly after at other bookstores. He stressed the importance of reporting theft early, so police have a better chance of finding the books again.

Another theft committed by non-students occurred Nov. 15, near the Sandburg Commons.

Two non-students were consuming alcohol with other UWM students outside Sandburg Hall last Wednesday night. According to Koch, the students invited the suspects up to their dorm room.

Later that evening, the students went back to their rooms and discovered their three laptops had been stolen.

According to Koch, the students went to report the crime and spotted the laptop hijackers once again in the commons. A chase ensued. Students, staff and officers chased the two individuals and attempted to stop them.

The chase led outdoors, and the first suspect dropped a laptop, then tripped and fell to the ground where he was apprehended. Koch said police continued to pursue the other suspect.

Koch, Capt. Michael Marzion, and Officer Steven Beaudry continued the chase, which concluded on the 3400 block of Murray Avenue.

“He ran most of the way without any shoes on,” said Koch, “Capt. Marzion was running through yards and jumping over fences after him.”

The officers eventually subdued the suspect, with minor resistance. The suspect was another non-student on probation. Both suspects are being held in jail, and charges are pending.

Officer Koch again verbalized appreciation for the efforts of all involved.

“Once again this is an example of good cooperation,” Koch said. “It was a real team effort to catch these people.”

Koch said students should be aware that UWM’s campus is open to the public. Most buildings can be accessed by anyone. The Union and the library are both public places and even the dorms are open during certain hours of the day. Therefore, Koch stressed the importance of locking dorm rooms, and securing belongings.

“In all my years here, I have never responded to a forced entry theft at the dorms,” said Koch.

According to Koch, most robberies occur when people simply keep their doors unlocked.

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