Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley
New Castle County – The Delaware State Police are investigating a recent rash of vehicle break-ins that have taken place throughout New Castle County during the first half of May. These break-ins have taken place in the parking lots of retail locations as well as hotels/motels through the greater Newark and New Castle area.
While similar crime patterns have occurred in the past they typically involved unsecured vehicles or vehicles with valuables in plain view. However these most recent break-ins involve secured vehicles where the property was concealed out of plain view. The suspects are smashing windows and then rifling through the vehicle in the hopes of finding something of value.
Based on this mode of operation Troopers are encouraging everyone to remove all valuables from your vehicle whenever possible. Simply securing them in the glove-box, center console or under a seat does not ensure their security.
Outside of this most recent trend the Delaware State Police would like to still offer the following basic tips to help prevent our area residents from being victimized:
If you observe a suspicious subject on your property, do not confront them, call 911 immediately. Also, be a good witness for your neighbor, as you would want them to do the same for you. Pay attention to what is going on in your neighborhood, and report suspicious activity.
If you believe you have information regarding any recent vehicle break-ins please contact the Detective B. Timmons of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-365-8434.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:
Delaware State Police Official Web Site
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin
Released: 052119 1400
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