New Castle County– Over the course of the last week, the Delaware State Police have investigated a series of thefts from vehicles which were parked in shopping center parking lots. This recent trend is not widespread however the sudden increase in incidents is specific to shopping centers along Route 40 in the Bear and Newark area.

These incidents involved forced entry, where something of value was visible inside of the vehicle. By simply locking your doors and keeping any and all property out of plain view you can significantly lessen the chance of being a victim.

With this information in mind we offering the following prevention and awareness tips:

• Keep the doors of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, checkbooks, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
• Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload, such as using storage containers to transport.
• Lock your glove box, which should only store your registration and insurance cards. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it in a safe place in your residence.
• Do not leave items that have a perceived value, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be within the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store or house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
• If possible, keep your vehicle parked under a lighted area that you can check on from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens. Pay attention and be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, and other places that you frequent throughout the course of your day.

If you See Something-Say Something, by reporting all suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, call 9-1-1.

Information may also be provided by messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook messenger or calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppers.com/.

In the event you become a victim of a vehicle break-in, it is imperative to monitor all credit card and bank account information as criminals tend to immediately use these personal items.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022422 1143

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