Camden-Wyoming, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating three armed robberies that occurred at a local area convenience store on South State Street during the month of June.

The first incident occurred on June 10, 2019, at 10:49 p.m., as Troop 3 Patrol responded to the Shore Stop located at 2636 South State Street, Camden-Wyoming. An unknown male suspect entered the business armed with a large knife. The male jumped on to the counter and demanded money from the clerk. After obtaining cash the male fled the business on foot. There were no injuries.

The second incident occurred on June 25, 2019, at 11:33 p.m., as Troop 3 Patrol responded to the Shore Stop located at 2636 South State Street, Camden-Wyoming. An unknown male entered the business armed with a large knife. The male jumped on to the counter and demanded money from the clerk. After obtaining cash the male fled the business on foot. There were no injuries.

The third incident occurred on June 29, 2019, at 11:44 p.m., as Troop 3 Patrol responded to the Shore Stop located at 2636 South State Street, Camden-Wyoming. An unknown male entered the business armed with a large knife. The male jumped on to the counter and demanded money from the clerk. After obtaining cash the male fled the business on foot. There were no injuries.

The suspect is believed to be a white male approximately 5’05” to 5’09” tall, 18 to 25-years-old with a medium build with his face covered weighing 125 to 160 lbs.

There are no video surveillance photos available to be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective M. Weinstein of Troop 3, Major Crimes Unit, at 302-698-8443 or Troop 3 at 302-697-4454.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers for a financial reward leading to an arrest at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

*The Delaware State Police would like to remind the business community that robbery prevention is something business owners need to cover with new hires as well as current employees on a regular basis.*

Anytime there is money in a place, there is a chance that someone will want that money, and is willing to use force to get it. You can take some simple steps to help reduce the chances that you, or your business, will be robbed. There is no way to fully prevent robbery, but you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim. 

Methods for Discouraging a Robber

• Lock unused doors.
• Avoid working alone. If you must work alone, turn on a radio or TV so robbers will think there is someone with you.
• Vary the schedule and route you take for your bank deposits each day, keep only the necessary cash on hand.
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by.
• Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, because they block visibility from the street.
• Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
• Place colored markings at the exits to estimate the suspect’s height as they leave.
• A robbery may be over in less than a minute. You need a quick eye to get a good look at the robber. That’s why some stores place hidden cameras behind cash registers.

If a Robbery Occurs

• Call police immediately by dialing 9-1-1, before calling anyone else.
• Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? Give it to him/her! Never refuse a robber.
• Remain calm. You will be able to give a better description to the police. Most robbers do not harm the victim.
• Do not resist. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what he asks. He may be armed and may harm you or others if you do not cooperate. Listen carefully to him/her, and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• Try to avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
• The most important thing to do if you’re robbed is to do as you’re told and try to observe. The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

Steps to Take After a Robbery

• Wait until the suspect has left the store and then sound the alarm.
• Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher the name and address of your business. Give a brief description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle if known.
• Ask customers to stay and wait for the police.
• When your witnesses have agreed to stay, lock the doors until the police arrive.
• Preserve the crime scene and make sure the witnesses are aware that they should not touch anything that the suspect may have touched.
• Ask all witnesses and staff members to write down their observations of the suspect description.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:070219 1340

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