Police in Nether Providence, Pennsylvania, are investigating 11 cases of car thefts and burglaries; 3 men wanted

NETHER PROVIDENCE, Delaware County (WPVI) – Police in Nether Providence, Delaware County, are investigating at least 11 incidents involving car thefts or break-ins that occurred within a six-hour period Tuesday morning.

“You think you’d hear about one or two cases, but to hear that it was so widespread was really surprising,” said local resident Greg Stapleton.

Stapleton says he is new to the neighborhood and was shocked to learn about the crime spree.

Detectives are searching for at least three men who are suspected of committing a series of car thefts and burglaries throughout Wallingford.

“I’m definitely not happy about it,” Stapleton said. “Frustrated is a good word.”

“It’s a shame that something like this happens in a neighborhood that is so safe and friendly and where people look after each other,” said Tarja Lipponen.

According to police, the suspects stole five vehicles and a license plate, broke into three vehicles and attempted to break into several others.

The incidents occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Somerset Place, Liberty, Woodridge and Green Valley, Ridge and Medbury Lanes, and Governors Drive.

A resident told Action News she saw the suspects trying to break into her car and was unable to sleep the rest of the night.

“That worries me a little now,” said Lipponen. “I’m going to lock the cars in the garage.”

Police said two vehicles were seized in Camden and another was found in Ridley Township.

Local residents said they would now take additional precautions.

“I think we always make sure our doors are locked,” Stapleton said. “We have our keys inside. We don’t have anything in the car. We just try to do that so we’re not the next one that something like this happens to.”

“Maybe they can now deploy more patrols in the short term to see if they can catch them,” Lipponen said. “Of course everyone wants them to go away, but I would rather they be caught.”

The Nether Providence Police Chief is urging drivers to lock their doors and remain alert.