For non-emergency Police assistance contact the Delaware State Police at 302-855-2980. This phone number should be used to report suspicious activity. Utilize 911 for emergencies.
Link will provide you with information on Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch.
Below are the addresses to our social media sites.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom
Twitter: DEStatePolice
Use standard signup directions for FB and Twitter if no account.
******* The trend continues in Sussex County with folks leaving valuable in their unlocked vehicles.
******* Homes and buildings continue to be left unsecure resulting in burglaries.
Crime Tips During the Summer
Usually we like to relax during the summer months of the year because that is the time most people will take vacation,
but criminals are never on vacation. It is very important that you take a little time to protect your property and valuables
with these commonsense measures.
Beware of Deception Burglaries and Home Improvement Scams Elderly Especially Warned to be Alert
Citizens are alerted to certain crime trends that have occurred throughout the county in recent years. Unfortunately,
deception burglaries and home improvement scams are known to occur when the weather gets warmer. Typically these
are criminals who are on the move. They begin working in the southern states and head north during the spring and
summer months. The elderly are the most likely targets since they tend to be trusting and very concerned about their
property and their neighborhood. Adult relatives of senior citizens should remind them of this possible crime.
Deception Burglaries Be mindful of certain ruses:
Suspects generally work in pairs and approach homeowners at their residence with the intent of gaining entry
under a seemingly benevolent role like posing as a legitimate worker from a local gas company, water
department, cable company, or as a tree trimmer, paver, county inspector, or government official. One suspect
will distract the homeowner while a second suspect will quietly enter the home and search for valuables and cash.
A suspect may also pose as a family friend of a relative or friend of a neighbor. He or she will knock on the door
and ask for a pen and paper to leave the victim’s neighbors a note. The suspect may appear to have difficulty
writing the note, and will ask to come inside the house. Once inside the victim's house, the suspect will ask the
victim to help write the note. While that criminal distracts the victim, others enter the residence to remove money
and valuables.
A variety of vehicles have been associated with these subjects including pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility
vehicles. Often, the victim doesn't even know he or she has been victimized for hours or days later when they might go
looking for a piece of jewelry or precious heirloom. Be alert to anyone in your neighborhood asking to gain entry into
your home. Always ask to see identification and let them know you are going to call and get authorization from their
company before allowing them access. If they are legitimate, they won't mind the wait. Our detectives believe many
deception burglaries don't get reported because the victim is too embarrassed or fears retribution. Neglecting to call
may allow a criminal to go free and victimize someone else. Remember, do not intervene, but call 911 immediately
with a description of the suspect and vehicle used in the suspicious activity.
Lock All Doors and Windows
Detectives’ reports that burglaries in the County are oftentimes committed through unlocked doors or windows. Stop
these thefts. The best deterrent to keep thieves from stealing your property is a lock and key. Don't assume you are
safe just because you are at home. It's nice to let the fresh air into our homes, but remember these tips to avoid a
burglary.
Lock windows on the first floor or ground floor even if there is an enclosed or screened-in porch. It takes so little
time and effort to cut through screen mesh and gain access to a home or apartment.
Secure basement windows and doors. It can be easy to forget about this area of the house when we're running in
and out doing chores.
Place a security bar, often referred to as "Charlie bars," between the patio sliding door and doorjamb. Don't
assume that the latch on the door is secure enough to ward off a thief.
Working Outside? Stop a Burglar
Often, burglars watch and wait to see where you are and what you are doing.
Lock up while you spruce up!
Out working in the yard or garden? Make sure all doors and windows - sheds, garages, patio, and house - are
closed and locked. This is especially true if you are in the front yard and the storage area is in the back, or vice
versa. Carry a key with you to lock and unlock these doors.
Finished with that yard work? Remember to clean up and lock up behind you. An open door is an invitation to a
thief. When you put your tools away, don't forget to lock the doors.
Please Dial 911and call the police, if you see anyone suspicious lurking around your neighborhood. A Trooper can
patrol through the area to check things out. You can even remain anonymous.
Traffic Safety News From the Delaware Office of Highway Safety Fast isn’t always a good idea.
The roadway can be a dangerous place. Speed limits are designed to protect everyone – drivers, passengers, and
pedestrians. Whether you drive too fast once in a while or all the time, remember that driving fast doesn’t get you
anywhere except in trouble.
What you need to know When you speed, you’re subject to fines, points on your driver’s license record, or worse—
you could injure yourself or someone else. Did you know?
Speed continues to be a major factor in injury and fatal car crashes in Delaware.
Males are twice as likely as females to be involved in a speed related crash serious enough to cause injury.
Injury crashes occur every day of the week, but are most common on Friday.
These crashes happen at all times of the day, but tend to peak around the afternoon rush hour.
What you can do
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends planning ahead as a way to reduce the
temptation to drive faster than the posted speed, and offers these simple tips:
Drive the posted speed limit. Fewer crashes happen when vehicles are travelling at or about the same
speed.
Concentrate. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cell phone, eating, drinking, or
putting on makeup.
Relax. Tune the radio to your favorite relaxing music. Music can calm your nerves and help you to enjoy your
time in the car.
Identify alternate routes. Try mapping out an alternate route to avoid congestion. Even if it looks longer on
paper, you might find it less congested.
Use public transportation. Public transportation can give you some much needed relief from life behind the
wheel.
Just be late. If all else fails, just be late.
If you speed and don’t think it’s a big deal, think again. Delaware law enforcement is on the lookout for speeding
drivers. So before you drive fast, think of the consequences.
Slow Down. Arrive Alive DE.