NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (1/27/2015) After five robberies of pedestrians in the New Castle area, police are warning residents to avoid walking alone.
Robberies occurred over the weekend in the communities of Wilton, Coventry, William Penn Village, Jefferson Farms and Wilmington Manor Gardens, said Officer First Class Tracey Duffy, a spokeswoman for New Castle County police.
• Just before 7 p.m. Saturday, a male victim walking home along Wilton Boulevard from Walmart was approached from behind by two people, one holding a handgun, who stole his cash and then fled in a vehicle.
• The second robbery occurred in the area of Tyne Drive in Coventry, where a victim walking home from a friend’s house heard a car approaching from behind. The victim told police the front and rear passengers got out and demanded money. One of the robbers struck him with a weapon, took items from him and then fled in the vehicle.
• A third robbery occurred in the area of William Penn Village. A male victim reported he was walking home from Wawa when he was approached by two people in the parking lot. The robbers demanded money and struck the victim before fleeing on foot.
• Another robbery was reported Saturday in the area of Wilmington Manor Gardens. A vehicle approached victims walking home, with the occupants demanding property and fleeing with it.
• About 4 p.m. Sunday, a victim in the area of Montpelier Drive in Jefferson Farms reported being approached by three people in a vehicle. They demanded his property and then fled.
Police urge all citizens to walk in a group and to be alert when walking home alone, Duffy said.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents 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.