Group of thieves target at least 2 gas stations in New Castle County, attempt to steal ATM

NEWARK, Delaware (WPVI) -- A group of thieves targeted at least two gas stations in New Castle County on Saturday.

The first incident happened just before 6 a.m. at the Sunoco gas station on the 1100 block of South College Avenue in Newark, Delaware.

Surveillance video shows a group of at least four suspects using a van to break out the front windows of the business to try and remove the ATM.

After a few minutes of trying to get the ATM into the van, the suspects fled the scene, leaving it behind.

Video from the scene shows the ATM had been split into two pieces during the attempted theft.

Within 10 minutes, authorities say the suspects went to another Sunoco gas station on the 200 block of South Main Street.

At least two suspects entered the business, which was open, and jumped over the counter, police say.

They allegedly ordered the clerk to give them money. While that was happening, authorities believe a third suspect broke out the front window using their vehicle.

That's when the clerk fled the scene, according to investigators.

The suspects also fled the gas station, police say, taking an undisclosed amount of cash with them.

Investigators say a Shell gas station was also targeted early Saturday morning on the 1000 block of Christiana Road.

Delaware State Police are investigating that crime as well.

Troopers say in that incident, a store employee reported that a van hit the front of their building, but the thieves left empty-handed.

Police say a weapon was not displayed in any of these incidents and no injuries were reported.

No suspect or vehicle descriptions have been released at this time.

Authorities say part of their investigation is determining whether the Shell gas station was targeted by the same group.

Anyone with information on these cases is asked to contact the police at 302-366-7100.