Early Saturday morning, brazen thieves targeted multiple ATMs and gas stations across New Castle County, causing significant damage to several businesses. Newark Police have released details regarding the two incidents that occurred in their jurisdiction.
Officials said shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, a burglary took place at the Sunoco gas station in the 1100-block of South College Avenue. The suspects used a vehicle to break the front windows of the business and attempted to remove the ATM, but fled the scene without the machine. The business was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Within ten minutes, the suspects struck again at a gas station in the 200-block of South Main Street. Two suspects entered the business, which was open, and ordered the clerk to hand over cash while a third suspect broke the front window with a vehicle. The clerk managed to flee, and the suspects escaped with cash. No weapons were displayed, and the clerk was unharmed.
In addition to the Newark incidents, significant damage was observed at the Sunoco gas station on Route 13 in New Castle. The suspects abandoned the ATM after failing to lift it into a van, which was also left at the scene.
On Sunday Troopers confirmed something we first reported yesterday. Officials said that there was a fourth robbery on Saturday at approximately 5:07 a.m. Troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Shell gas station located at 1148 Christiana Road in Newark.
Three suspects used a white van to crash into the gas station’s front glass window while the business was open. They then approached a Shell employee, demanded cash, and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount. No injuries were reported.
Upon arrival, Troopers learned that the suspects in this incident were described as unknown males wearing dark-colored clothing. Both Newark Police and Delaware State Police continue to investigate the string of robberies and are seeking any information that could lead to the suspects’ apprehension.
These cases are under investigation to determine the extent to which they are related.