Crimes in which criminals monitor gamblers to determine whether they would make good targets are not especially common, but local detectives say they have seen an increase in that type of case in the last several years.

“It’s a relatively new type of crime in Delaware, so we don’t have a system for gathering data yet,” said Det. John Messick of the Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit in Sussex County. He said he knows of one case upstate last year and another in Sussex a couple of years ago. “The suspect robbed her of her credit cards and her gambling winnings.”

He said people should take precautions to avoid becoming victims. Most important, he said, is gamblers should be constantly aware of their surroundings while they are in the gambling venues. For example, they should frequently look around and note whether they see the same people nearby, because it could be those people are actually looking for victims.

Another precaution is not leaving a venue with cash. “If you win a lot of money, ask for a check instead of pocketing your cash or coin winnings,” said Messick.

Once people are in their vehicles and preparing to drive home, they need to again be especially mindful of their surroundings, he said.

If they think they are being followed, they should call 911, explain they are in possession of gambling winnings and believe they are being followed.

“Or,” said Messick, “they can drive to the nearest police barracks or station. People can also drive to a heavily populated area, call 911, lock their doors and wait for police.”