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Police warning about highly organized ‘crime tourists’ targeting homes in our region

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Police warning about highly organized ‘crime tourists’ targeting homes in our region


These groups are known to steal jewelry, watches, designer merchandise, cash, and gold bars.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023 11:20PM

Police warning about highly organized 'crime tourists' targeting homes in our region

NEW CASTLE, Delaware (WPVI) — New Castle County police are trying to track the so-called “crime tourists” they say have traveled to the county to burglarize homes.

They, along with regional and federal agencies, have identified a trend carried out by groups known as “South American Theft Groups” or “Crime Tourists.”

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Authorities say the groups are highly organized criminal enterprises that travel from state to state committing burglaries and thefts.

Video obtained by Action News shows one burglary allegedly committed by the group. It happened on Saturday on Wild Cherry Lane in Wilmington.

Investigators say most times the homeowners are not home. But there have been instances where the burglars pose as delivery drivers or utility workers to gain access.

These groups are known to steal jewelry, watches, designer merchandise, cash, and gold bars.

Police say the suspects will use radios, disguises, lookouts, and surveillance to case out potential homes in neighborhoods.

Once they act, authorities say the group works fast to execute the burglary. Thieves typically ship the items they steal back to their home countries or attempt to sell the items prior to leaving.

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New Castle County police have arrested several suspects and have identified others wanted for the crimes.

Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to please contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110.

Police are sharing the following safety tips:

  • Consult with your homeowner’s association on the installation of Automated License Plate Readers at the entrance/exit of neighborhoods.
  • Secure Doors and Windows: Install solid exterior doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced frames. Use high-quality locks on all doors and consider upgrading to smart locks for added security. Install window locks on all accessible windows and reinforce glass with security film or laminates.
  • Install a comprehensive home security system that includes burglar alarms, motion sensors, and security cameras. Display signs or stickers indicating the presence of a security system, which can act as a deterrent.
  • Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entry points. Ensure that pathways, entrances, and dark areas are well-lit to minimize hiding spots for potential burglars.
  • Join or establish a neighborhood watch program to create a sense of community and collective security. Communicate with your neighbors, report suspicious activities, and look out for one another.
  • Keep valuable items, such as jewelry, cash, and important documents, in a secure safe or lockbox. Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight through windows or in easily accessible areas.
  • Maintain a well-maintained appearance of your home to deter potential burglars. Use timers for lights and electronic devices to create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away.
  • Avoid sharing vacation plans or posting about being away from home on social media. Burglars can exploit this information to target unoccupied houses.
  • Install security bars or grilles on vulnerable entry points such as basement windows or sliding doors. Consider reinforcing doors with door jammers or security plates to prevent forced entry.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to local authorities. Consider installing surveillance cameras to monitor and record activities around your property.
  • Report suspicious persons and vehicles to 9-1-1.

Copyright © 2023 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Delaware

Reading man arrested for shooting in Delaware

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Reading man arrested for shooting in Delaware


A Reading man was arrested last week for a shooting earlier this month at a Red Roof Inn & Suites in New Castle, Delaware.

Erickson Acuapa, 21, of Reading, was arrested in Wyomissing for the shooting that took place June 16, Delaware state police said.

Acuapa was arrested by Wyomissing police and later extradited to Delaware and taken into custody by Delaware state police.

He was charged with assault, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and reckless endangerment.

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According to a press release:

At 3:33 a.m. troopers responded to reports of the shooting at 1612 N. Dupont Highway.

When troopers arrived on the scene, they learned that a 20-year-old male victim had been taken to a local hospital for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm.

A preliminary investigation revealed that several people gathered at the motel after attending a local concert.

During this gathering, the victim and unknown suspect engaged in an argument. The altercation escalated, and the suspect fired a shot at the victim before fleeing the scene.

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An investigation by detectives identified the suspect as Erickson Acuapa.

On June 19, Acuapa was located in Wyomissing and taken into custody by the Wyomissing Police Department.

Following his extradition to Delaware, Acuapa was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $138,000 cash bond.



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Del. Supreme Court restores early voting access and permanent absentee voting

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Del. Supreme Court restores early voting access and permanent absentee voting


Delaware Supreme Court justices heard arguments in the case earlier this month.

Former judge and chair of the Delaware Republican Party Jane Brady argued the case on behalf of Hocker and the elections inspector. She said the state’s constitution specifies only one day that the election can be held, making early voting unconstitutional. She also argued that the language in the constitution requires voters to apply for an absentee ballot for each election.

“We claim that the statutes on their face are unconstitutional. They don’t comply with the language in the constitution,” she said. “Clearly, the drafters intended to address two issues: the time of the election and the manner of the election.”

Former U.S. Solicitor Donald Verrilli, representing the state, countered by arguing that both permanent absentee and early voting are employed in many other states across the U.S. and are consistent with Delaware’s Constitution and within the power of lawmakers to enact.

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“Article Five, Section One [of the state constitution] provides an express delegation to the General Assembly to prescribe the means, methods and instruments of election to further a whole set of important goals,” he said. “That seems to me to be a structural indication that the Legislature has broad power here to set the means and methods of elections.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.



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How bank fraud suspects targeted man in Delco grocery store parking lot

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How bank fraud suspects targeted man in Delco grocery store parking lot


UPPER CHICHESTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Upper Chichester police hope the public can help them identify two people they believe targeted a man for bank fraud in Delaware County. There’s also concern there could be other victims.

On June 4, around 12:30 p.m., police say the pair followed the man out of the Giant in Aston and approached him in the parking lot.

One suspect claimed he dropped a $20 bill while the other was recording the interaction.

Police say the victim pulled out and opened his wallet and said the money wasn’t his. In the process, cards fell to the ground and the man’s personal information was possibly caught on video.

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A short time later, thousands of dollars were swiped from the man’s bank account, according to police.

“It’s horrible, there’s all kinds of things that are happening all different kinds of scams that are going around and people just need to be really, really careful,” said Jackie Kane of Aston Township, who was walking her dog near the Village Green Shopping Center.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the first quarter of this year, more than 30,000 cases of bank fraud have been reported nationwide. The tri-state ranked 8th overall for fraud, and people 70 to 79 were the most targeted.

“They’re too trustworthy too, older people,” said Cindy Robertson, of Ridley Park, who was shopping nearby.

“They should be careful, especially if they’re by themselves and they don’t have somebody with them.”

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Residents say it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and they’re also thankful the only injury in this case was financial.

“It’s frustrating, it’s frustrating people do that kind of stuff. That guy worked for whatever he has his whole life and somebody gonna steal it, that is not a good thing to do,” said Dave Bonavita of Upper Chichester.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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