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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Troopers Investigating Rash of Recent Vehicle Break-ins – New Castle County


Date Posted: Tuesday, May 21st, 2019

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:

  1. Keep your doors to all of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
  2. Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, check books, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
  3. Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload daily, such as, using storage containers to transport.
  4. Your glove box should remain locked, and should only store your registration and insurance cards.
  5. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it with other important documents inside your residence.
  6. Do not leave items that are perceived as valuable in plain view, such as, a laptop case with no laptop.
  7. Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items.
  8. Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
  9. If possible, keep your vehicle parked in a well-lit area that you can viewed from your residence.
  10. If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera system.

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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 052119 1400

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