Thieves Use App To Help Steal Merchandise, County Police Investigating

File

New Castle – New Castle County Police are currently investigating two, independent thefts where victim’s used the Letgo cell phone Application to sell personal property.

On Wednesday (January 24) at approximately 5:30 p.m. New Castle County Police were dispatched to the community of Mayview Manor for the report of a theft. Police learned that the 41 year-old victim was selling a dirtbike and advertised the sale using the Letgo Application. He agreed to meet the seller in the parking lot of the Rosehill Community Center, at which time the seller drove off with the dirtbike during the test drive.

On Sunday (January 28) New Castle County Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Gladstone Way for the report of a theft in progress. Police learned that the 16-year-old victim had made arrangements to purchase a new iphone using the Letgo Application. When the seller of the iphone met up with the victim, he kept the phone , took $130.00 from him and fled the area on foot.

Police are advising the public to follow these tips when using online applications to sell or purchase merchandise. Insist on meeting in a public place during the day or in a well lit area that has cameras, do not meet anyone alone, do not meet at your residence, do not meet at a secondary location or deviate from the original plan and if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have any information pertaining to these investigations, please contact New Castle County Police at (302) 573-2800. Citizens can also submit a tip via our website at www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department.

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →