Police investigating after 23 cars broken into at several Claymont apartment complexes

CLAYMONT, Del. (WPVI) -- New Castle County police are searching for a group of thieves who allegedly broke into nearly two dozen cars outside apartments in Delaware.

It happened at several complexes in Claymont early Tuesday morning.

Police say 23 cars were broken into in 45 minutes, which happened between 5:30 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.

All of those cars were parked outside apartment complexes off Naamans Road in Claymont, including Darley Green Apartments, Naamans Apartments, Woodacres Apartments, and the Edge at Greentree.

People came out Tuesday morning to find their cars had been broken into and some items inside were stolen.

Police say the complexes are located close to I-95 and the state line, giving the thieves quick access to the highway.

Right now, police say they are looking for multiple suspects and are looking through surveillance video that captures the crime.

"We think at least three (suspects) judging by some of the surveillance we've seen so far," noted Sgt. Michael McNasby, with New Castle County Police Department.

He said the logistics of this crime were well thought out.

"A quick action," described McNasby. "Basically, a car converges on the area, multiple suspects exit, and then they wallpaper an entire community. They are going door to door, trying multiple doors. Usually, if we see that cars are secured and locked, they keep moving. With this group, they were smashing out people's windows."

Residents in the area say despite having dealt with break-ins before, this incident was surprising.

"I always lock my car. No issues. It's been sitting here for about a month I've had it, and no issues," said Jason Aaron from Claymont.

"It's kinda scary," he added.

Now, almost two dozen residents are dealing with issues after the recent spree.

Officers say they have a message for those who live in the targeted communities.

"If you found your car tampered with in any way, please call the police and file a report because it could be linked to this bigger trend," McNasby said.

Police say these break-ins remain under investigation and are asking people in Claymont to check their surveillance video.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the New Castle Police Department.