Police: Family Arrested In Wilmington Vehicle Break-in Spree
By Elizabeth Hur
WILMINGTON, Del., (CBS) - Wilmington police arrested a family after a mother led her two sons and a friend on a vehicle break-in spree.
The incident occurred early Monday morning as officers responded to a 911 call reporting thefts from vehicles in the 1400 block of Stapler Place.
An investigation revealed that four suspects entered vehicles in the block and removed property. Officers conducted an area search and located Tyvora Douglas walking with her 17 and 16-year-old sons in the 1000 block of N. Clayton Street.
Wilmington Police Corporal Mark Ivey said, "We stop them and find that they have property from those vehicles and then we do another search and find a fourth person."
Officers had received additional calls from residents alerting them to a fourth suspect checking vehicle door handles in the area. Police later located Shaye Robinson, who matched the suspect description, in the 1400 block of N. Lincoln Street and took her into custody.
In addition to the thefts from vehicles, Tyvora Douglas was charged with endangering the welfare of her children.
"I can tell you, it's pretty disappointing. Instead of the mother being able to teach her children about responsibility it's the criminal justice system," Ivey said.
Officers also located additional property on the defendants that could not be connected to the known vehicle break-ins.
This property is being held at Wilmington Police Headquarters. Residents in the area of the 1400 block of Stapler Place and surrounding neighborhoods who may be the victims of previously unreported thefts or vehicle break-ins may contact the police department to recover their property.
Meanwhile, residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant and contact police if they note suspicious subjects or activities, such as persons checking vehicle door handles, walking with backpacks late at night, or carrying vehicle electronics such as GPSs or car stereos.
The Wilmington Department of Police would also like to remind the public of several easy tips to discourage thefts from vehicles:
· When possible park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
· Lock all doors and ensure windows are closed.
· Hide GPSs, I-Pods, or other easily removable electronic devices in the trunk, glove box, or under the seat. Remember, "out of sight, out of mind."
· Avoid leaving purses, backpacks, packages, or other items in plain view.
· Conceal any loose coins or other currency.
