(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police has seen an increase in thefts from motor vehicles and thefts of motor vehicles throughout all of New Castle County.
Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit have been conducting an ongoing investigation. This investigation has revealed that juveniles and young adults will go out in groups of three or more with the intent of stealing from cars and in some incidents stealing the car itself.
Groups as large as ten to twelve people have been seen roving through communities. These groups will typically use stolen cars during the overnight hours (midnight to 5:00 AM) to target the random neighborhoods. Usually, the driver will stay in the car and the other occupants will get out on foot and begin looking for unlocked vehicles.
Specifically, on July 29th, a vehicle was reported stolen, and another was ransacked on Courtyard Lane, in the community of Summit Chase Apartments, Wilmington. Then on July 30th, two vehicles were reported stolen and three vehicles were ransacked in the community of Penn Acres, New Castle. On July 31st three more vehicles were reported stolen from Edinburgh Villas, New Castle and on August 3, 2019, a single vehicle was stolen from the community of Chaddwyck, New Castle. In all, seven vehicles were stolen and all seven were later recovered at various locations within the City of Wilmington.
Last Wednesday, (Aug 7) the investigation lead to the identification and arrest of six defendants (five juveniles and one adult.)
The adult was identified as 23-year-old, Shaiquane Douglas from the City of Wilmington. He was arrested and charged with five counts of felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, six counts of felony conspiracy 2nd, one count of felony Theft, and three counts of misdemeanor Theft.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $8000 unsecured bail.
The juveniles, whose ages ranged from 14 to 17, were all from the City of Wilmington. They were charged with felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, felony Conspiracy 2nd degree, felony Theft over $1500, misdemeanor Theft under $1500, misdemeanor Unauthorized Use of a Payment Card, and misdemeanor Conspiracy 3rd degree.
The juveniles were also arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and all were released on unsecured bail.
The investigation is still ongoing and additional arrests are imminent. However, we are still asking members of our community to remain vigilant. If you see any suspicious activity call 911.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Christopher at (302)395-8230 or Eric.Christopher@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
Citizens can text a tip anonymously simply by texting the number 847411 keyword: NCCDE. You can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Division of Police.
Shaiquane Douglas
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