Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I immediately called 911 and reached out to the President of the AFL-CIO and a colleague to inform them that I wouldn't make it to the parade on time. The New Castle County Police arrived promptly. Their professionalism and thoroughness were evident as they gathered information and canvassed the neighborhood for security footage. Strangely, my own security camera had no recordings during the time of the theft—perhaps just a technical glitch. Thankfully, some neighbors had footage that pinpointed when the car was taken.
Three days later, my car was found about a mile away, undrivable and missing only specific items: four large open boxes of campaign literature, an open box of metal lawn sign frames, and lawn signs—all prepared for upcoming literature drops. All my personal belongings remained untouched. The car was towed to the New Castle County Public Safety Building for meticulous processing. I was astounded by the extent of the police work involved: fingerprinting, DNA testing, and comprehensive video documentation of the car inside and out.
The experience was eye-opening. I gained a deeper appreciation for the relentless efforts our police officers undertake daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. The aftermath wasn't easy—the car required extensive repairs, incurring significant expenses. When I finally retrieved it over two weeks later, it was covered in a fine soot from the thorough fingerprinting—a stark reminder of the violation.
I consider myself fortunate; many in New Castle County aren't as lucky to have their vehicles recovered. Car thefts in our community have surged by 101.54% over the past two years. From January 1, 2024, to September 8, 2024, we've had 522 vehicle thefts—a staggering number that continues to climb each day. The ripple effects of these crimes are profound, leaving individuals and families with financial burdens and a lingering sense of insecurity, even in their own homes.
As your Council President, I've ardently advocated for and supported measures to deter and reduce car thefts. With just six weeks left in my eight-year tenure, my commitment remains unwavering. I will continue to raise awareness and seek solutions to this pressing issue. Together, we can work towards reclaiming the safety and peace of mind that every resident of New Castle County deserves.
Thank you for your continued support and for standing with me in addressing this critical concern.
Warm regards,
Karen Hartley-Nagle
President, New Castle County Council
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