(Hockessin, Del. 19707) Yesterday (February 28) at approximately 1:20 p.m., New Castle County Police were dispatched to the Hockessin Athletic Club for reported thefts from Motor Vehicles that occurred during the daytime hours. Police learned that two vehicles had their windows broken and items removed. Patrol officers were then dispatched to Paper Mill Park for the report of three thefts from motor vehicles. Two of the vehicles had damaged windows and one vehicle was unsecured. Various items were removed from all three vehicles.

Patrol officers were also made aware that the Delaware State Police were investigating similar incidents of theft in the Pike Creek Shopping Center.

During the course of the investigation, police were able to locate surveillance photos of a possible suspect vehicle.

This is an active and ongoing investigation; further information will be released as it becomes available.

Please remember to Park Smart by securing your valuables and calling 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.

If you have any information pertaining to this investigation, please contact Det. Brooks Fitzpatrick at BWFitzpatrick@nccde.org or by calling New Castle County Police at (302) 573-2800. Citizens 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 at New Castle County Police Department.

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The New Castle County Police has been awarded a $300,000.00 grant to expand their Victim Services Unit. This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crimes. Currently, the unit is staffed with three civilian victim advocates. Their roles and responsibilities include reviewing reports and helping victims of violent crimes navigate the criminal justice process. These advocates are available 24/7 to respond to major incidents to provide immediate assistance and address the needs of victims impacted by violent crime.

The funding will allow the agency to hire two additional advocates and create a supervisor’s position, thereby expanding the unit to a total of five advocates, two of whom are bi-lingual. Expanding the unit will increase efficiency, productivity, and the overall quality of service provided to victims of violence, increasing the ability to provide immediate assistance to more people impacted by violence. We hope to curtail the harmful effects of traumatic events.

“Hopefully, this will reinforce our message to all communities that we are truly committed to assisting them during their time of need,” said Colonel Bond. “The addition of another Spanish bi-lingual advocate will serve to strengthen our relationship with members from the Hispanic Community, who may be uncomfortable navigating the criminal justice system.”

“We are all proud of the emphasis of our New Castle County police on community engagement and the specialized services they provide to victims of crime,” County Executive Matt Meyer said.  “This new grant funding strengthens our ability to meet the needs of victims by connecting them with healing and recovery services and supporting their participation in the criminal justice system.”

On Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the New Castle County Police Department will be hosting a special recruiting event designed specifically for females. The event will take place at New Castle County Police Headquarters, 3601 N. DuPont Hwy in New Castle, Delaware.  Women interested in a career in Law Enforcement will have an opportunity to address a panel of female officers from various units within the agency who can answer questions related to working for the New Castle County Police and the recruitment process.

This special opportunity provides insight and a women’s prospective on what it is like to serve the community.

Anyone interested in seeking a career with New Castle County Police can submit an application online by visiting nccde.org. More information about the hiring process for New Castle County Police Department can be found on joinnccpd.com.