BEAR, DELAWARE (1/17/2015) After the theft of five vehicles in the U.S. 40 corridor, New Castle County police are warning residents about leaving their running cars unattended.
Officer Tracey Duffy said the vehicles were stolen over a six-day period starting Jan. 10.
Four have been recovered but police are still looking for a green 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 SUV taken from in front of a home in the 100 block of Flamingo Drive in Sparrow Run.
Duffy said the SUV, with a Delaware tag and rear window tint, was left running when the driver went into a home to pick up his son. Returning a few minutes later, he discovered the vehicle had been stolen.
Duffy said cars should never be left unattended while running or warming up.
The use of a remote starter can help to prevent the theft of cars, she said.
Anyone with information on the stolen SUV is asked to call police at (302) 573-2800.
Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com.