Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale 

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the strong arm robbery of a male patron of the Christiana Mall that occurred late yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. yesterday, Wednesday, August 3, 2016, as a 17 year old male was walking toward his car parked in the lot of the JC Penney store located at the Christiana Mall, Newark. It was at this point that the male victim was approached by two male suspects who had exited a black unknown make and model vehicle. The suspects then grabbed the victim and proceeded to remove an undisclosed amount of money from his pants pockets. The suspects then fled in the black vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured.

The suspects were both described as black males. They were 20-25 years of age, 5’10”-5’11” tall and weighed 170-180 lbs. There is no clothing description available for the suspects. No video surveillance photos are available to be released at this time.

The Delaware State Police would like to provide a few basic safety tips to help keep you safe when walking to and from your vehicle in a parking lot.

• Do not wear headphones or become distracted by cell phone conversations.
• Have a co-worker watch you from a window if walking alone. Wave to them on the way to your vehicle.
• Have a whistle or other personal alarm on you.
• Have your keys in your hand before walking to your vehicle.
• Look around, inside, and underneath your vehicle befor entering. If suspicious, walk away.
• Stay aware of your surrounding at all times.
• Use the main building entrance — avoid rear or secluded exits.
• Walk down the parking lots aisles, crosswalks and sidewalks — not in-between vehicles.
• Walk in groups – there is safety in numbers.
• When walking towards your vehicle, wave even if no one is watching to give the illusion that someone is watching you.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the robbery unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 080416 1115

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