7 teens, 1 adult arrested for Delaware port car thefts

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. (FOX 29) - State police in Delaware arrest seven juveniles and one adult while investigating a string of auto thefts in New Castle County.

Delaware State Police detectives investigating the car thefts detected a pattern in nine separate incidents dating to October 2018. The individuals climbed over or under fencing, then got in parked vehicles with keys inside. The suspects would then drive off in the stolen vehicle.

Officials say troopers saw five individuals get out of a vehicle January 19, 2019, in New Castle, climb a fence and enter a secure business location, attempting to take a vehicle. The troopers attempted to arrest the suspects as they took off from the location on foot. Troopers were able to arrest the five and three additional suspects who were in a vehicle at the location.

Seven juveniles and one adult were taken into custody, according to State Police. Seven of the suspects are from Philadelphia, while the eighth is from Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The eight face a list of charges that include attempt to commit theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

According to officials, a total of 38 vehicles were stolen, with approximately half recovered. The case remains under investigation.