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After an increase in auto thefts this year, Milwaukee police and the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee have partnered to offer free installation of theft-deterrent devices on vehicles most frequently stolen.

Auto thefts had been declining in Milwaukee — the drop from the first half of 2007 to the first half of 2013 was 54% — but exploded during the first six months of this year with 2,877 reported auto thefts and attempted thefts, a nearly 70% increase over the first half of 2013, when there were 1,703.

But there have been signs of improvement since police rounded up several robbery crews in September. One suspect alone admitted stealing some 60 cars and fleeing from police 10 times. From Oct. 1 to 22, the department has reported 195 auto thefts, compared with 406 during the same time last year, according to a police spokesman.

The teens who have been arrested by police seem to be motivated by a combination of support from their peers and the belief that they will not face substantial consequences, Police Chief Edward Flynn has said.

The free anti-theft device installations are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Nov. 1 at two locations: Copper Man Recycling, 3818 W. Mitchell St., and the Department of Public Works Field Headquarters, 3850 N. 35th St.

Ten local car dealerships are providing service technicians to install the devices. Installation takes about 30 minutes per vehicle.

The program is only available to qualifying vehicles and those that are registered in the city of Milwaukee. Owners also are encouraged to participate in the Police Department's Catch Auto Thieves Program in which a decal is affixed to the vehicle's rear window that allows officers to stop the vehicle if it is being operated between 1 and 5 a.m.

The following vehicles are eligible for the free theft deterrent device installation:

■ 1997 and older Honda Accords

■ 2000 and older Honda Civics

2006 and older models:

■ Dodge Caravan

■ Dodge Intrepid

■ Dodge Stratus

■ Chrysler Town & Country

■ Dodge Neon

■ Plymouth Voyager

■ Chrysler Sebring

■ Jeep Cherokee