DSP warn of series of thefts from out-buildings in Sussex County

State Police are warning Sussex County residents, about a spike in thefts from out-buildings.

Delaware State Police say over the last several weeks, they have investigated thefts from various residential sheds, and detached garages from Georgetown to Millsboro.

Their investigation apparently shows that an unknown number of suspects have been going into the structures, and taking items such as power tools, lawn and garden equipment, and in one incident, a 9mm pistol. Police say in most of the cases, the out-buildings had been left unlocked.

The Delaware State Police are offering the following tips to keep you and your stuff safe:

• Lock your shed and garage doors and secure any windows on the buildings.
• Record serial numbers of the items stored in the buildings and take pictures of the items for identification purposes.
• Leave outdoor lights on in the driveway or have security lighting or alarms installed.
• If a large item came in a box as a Christmas present, don’t advertise it by leaving the box out by the trash to be recycled or thrown away.  Break down the box and shred it or take the box to a local recycling bin to be discarded.
• Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips can also be sent through the Tip Submit website, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”