Wisconsin’s Potawatomi Casino Dealing With a Rash of Car Thefts

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 20, 2023

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The Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is grappling with a significant issue of car thefts. Since September 24, a total of 11 vehicles have been reported stolen from the premises.

News sources interviewed one of the victims, Mike Sheridan, whose rented car was stolen from the parking garage on October 4. Sheridan, an unsuspecting visitor to the casino resort, expressed his dismay at the incident.

Sheridan disclosed that he lost valuable items he had left in the car, including a $700 camera and a pair of earbuds. He lamented not being forewarned about the thefts by the police and the casino hotel.

The car thieves have primarily targeted Kia and Hyundai vehicles, a detail not effectively communicated by the casino staff, according to Sheridan. He argued that the lack of transparency put his safety at risk.

During an interview with a news source, Sheridan urged car renters to remain vigilant and avoid repeating his oversight. He expressed a strong belief that the thieves would continue their activities unless the casino resort enhanced its security and surveillance.

Sheridan hopes that the police will make arrests to discourage future car theft attempts. The vehicle he had rented was one of the 11 stolen cars, and it was discovered approximately ten days later, albeit without his missing valuables.

In response to the incidents, the Potawatomi Casino Hotel assured guests that they would intensify round-the-clock monitoring of all parking areas and entrances. Nevertheless, the property cautioned visitors against leaving valuable items in their vehicles.

Travis Gervais, the senior security manager at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, issued a statement indicating that Kia and Hyundai cars are particularly vulnerable.

Gervais acknowledged that the casino’s parking lot is not significantly safer than other public spaces in Milwaukee.

Gervais revealed that car thefts take less than a minute, and therefore, he advised guests to park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, securely lock their car doors and consider investing in quality anti-theft systems or steering wheel locking devices.

These precautions are aimed at ensuring their protection from car theft and potential criminal activity.