New Castle, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects after responding to a stolen motor vehicle complaint.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at approximately 8:52 p.m. when the driver of a 2012 Toyota Camry drove to the Shell Gas Station located at 299 Christiana Road. The driver parked the Camry in front of a gas pump and left his vehicle running with the doors unlocked and went into the store. While in the store, the driver observed his vehicle had its reverse lights on and observed unknown suspects drive off with the vehicle. The victim responded back into the store and called 9-1-1.
The suspects fled eastbound onto Christiana Road toward Freedom Trail. Troopers quickly canvassed the area and through investigative measures located and confirmed the vehicle on Freedom Trail parked on the left side of the roadway facing in a north direction. The vehicle was still running and was unoccupied. Delaware State Police K-9 Unit conducted a track which led to the suspect’s residence.
Both Hassan R. Dollard, 16 of Wilmington and Rashawn George Jr., 16 of New Castle, were arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd degree Agreement to Engage in Felony Criminal Conduct and Theft Under $1500. Defendants were processed and arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11, released on $5,000.00 unsecured bond and turned over to their guardians.
The vehicle and other property stolen were recovered to be returned back to the owner.
GAS STATION AUTO CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
When using self-service gas pumps please be aware of your surroundings because those who want to steal your vehicle simply wait for the moment when they can most easily move into a vehicle and drive away. Even though most know you shouldn’t leave your vehicle unsecured with the keys in the ignition still some do so at self-service gas-pumps. This is especially dangerous if your children, pets or valuables in the vehicle.
Sometimes, the carjacker will wait until the driver goes to the gas station’s cashier to pay for the gas. While the driver is busy paying the cashier, the carjacker will drive off with the car.
Carefully consider where and when you buy gas. Choose a safe, familiar area during daylight hours whenever possible. In addition, make a practice of filling up your tank when it is half-empty, if possible. Never let your gas supply get so low that you are forced to stop for fuel in an unsafe or unfamiliar area at a dangerous time.
In addition, sometimes it’s not a carjacker but a thief who chooses self-service gas pumps for his crimes. Most people will leave their keys in the ignition and their purses and/or wallets, cell phones, etc. on the passenger seat of the vehicle. With doors unlocked, it’s easy for a thief to open the door, take your belongings and flee. It only takes seconds.
Some tips when you are at a gas station
Never leave your keys in the ignition. Take them out of the vehicle and lock your car while you are pumping gas.
Do not leave your valuables in plain sight when you exit your vehicle. Even with doors locked and no keys, the thief cannot resist your valuables.
Pay attention to your surroundings . Do not let your cell phone distract you. (As a side note, using your cell phone at a gas pump is very dangerous. Cell phones and other electronic devices may have the potential to emit electrical charges, and should therefore be left in the vehicle during fueling).
If you are going to pay for your gas inside the cashier’s office, please do not leave your children in the vehicle, regardless if your doors are locked or not. Take them with you. It may seem like a hassle, but consider the alternative.
If you are using a credit card at the gas pump, always take your receipt or hit the “clear” or “no” button when it asks before leaving. Otherwise, you leave your credit card information open for the next person.
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Presented by Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz
Released: 042319 1025
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