MPD sees drop in theft from autos; here are ways to help continue downward trend

MADISON, Wis. - The Madison Police Department is sharing ways people can prevent having their property stolen from their vehicles.

• Lock your vehicle doors and close the windows
• Do not leave keys in your vehicle
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended
• Park in well-lit areas
• Remove valuables:
  • Firearms
  • Money
  • Backpack, purses, wallets, etc.
  • Cell phones
  • Garage door openers
• If you park in a secure parking garage, make sure nobody follows you inside
• Utilize steering wheel locks
• Close your garage door

There were 111 theft from auto incidents reported in Madison from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The theft from auto incidents reported in the fourth quarter of 2025 represented a 34.7% decrease when compared to the third quarter of 2025, when we had 170 theft from auto incidents. Similarly, the data also represents a decrease when compared to the fourth quarter in 2024.