DSP Investigating Increased Thefts of Mopeds- Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach– Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about a recent increase in thefts of mopeds in the Rehoboth Beach area.

Delaware State Police Troop 7 began seeing a spike of moped thefts starting in the middle of March along the Coastal Highway area.

With the weather starting to get warmer and an increase of individuals visiting the beach area, troopers would like to provide the following safety tips to prevent others from becoming victims:

• Always turn off the bike and remove the ignition key. Even if you are close by or only going to be away from the bike for a few minutes, it only takes seconds for a moped to be stolen undetected if the ignition key is left in it.
• If you do not have a garage, keep your moped covered. If a thief does not know what is underneath the cover, it is difficult for them to see if it is a bike they want and harder to assess the difficulty of stealing it.
• If you park outside, choose a well-lit, conspicuous area. By parking in well-lit locations, it is more difficult for an individual to go unnoticed when attempting to steal the moped.
• In addition to the built-in lock on the moped, it is best to use two or more types of locks to anchor it to something immovable. Also, use a disc lock to secure the front brake disc or a grip lock to secure the throttle and brake controls.
• Take pictures of your moped, notate any identifying characteristics, and document vehicle identification number (VIN). If your moped is stolen, providing this pertinent information to the police is beneficial in the investigation and increases the odds of locating it.

Unfortunately, security measures can’t guarantee your moped won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it more difficult and less attractive for thieves.

If you have any information regarding the recent theft of moped cases, please contact Delaware State Police Troop 7 by calling 302-644-5020. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Source: DE State Police Newsroom