Interrupted 'knock-knock' theft offers clues

A New Garden homeowner interrupted a burglary Tuesday, giving police new information they hope will lead to solving a spate of thefts in the township, police said.

Police are looking for a four-door, steel grey Dodge Charger with a handicapped placard after responding to a home in the unit block of Radburn Drive in the development of Hill Stream II in Landenberg on Tuesday at 1:58 p.m.  Police said the female resident reported that she saw the sedan pull into her driveway, heard the doorbell ring, followed by knocking and then a noise like breaking glass. She said she went toward the noise, found an intruder in her foyer, fled, and called 911.

During a neighborhood canvas, police said witnesses said they saw the vehicle exiting the development at a high-rate of speed, south toward Delaware.  The victim described the intruder as a black male wearing a green knit cap; the driver of the vehicle was described as a while male, aged 20 to 25, with short dark hair and a "chin-strap beard," about 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, wearing dark clothing. The burglary victim told police that said jewelry, electronics and credit cards were taken from the residence.

The New Garden Township police department has been investigating several unoccupied residential burglaries along the southern and eastern boundaries, near the state of Delaware.  Specifically, the following communities have experienced residential break-ins:  Somerset Lake, Estates of Bucktoe, Hartefeld, Landenberg Village, and Hill Stream II. The department continues to work  with nearby law enforcement agencies to investigate these break-ins and wants to remind the community to call 911 immediately if suspicious people or vehicles are observed: 610-268-2907, ext. 100.  The break-ins have been dubbed "knock-knock" burglaries because thieves typically knock loudly to determine if someone is home before forcing entry. If a resident answers the door, the would-be intruder fabricates an excuse for being there, such as looking for directions or selling some service.