The Delaware State Police arrested 46-year-old Matthew Foth of Wilmington, Delaware, for series of copper thefts from businesses in North Wilmington between November and December.
Officials said between November 23, 2024, and December 28, 2024, troopers investigated multiple thefts of a similar nature from several businesses in the area of Silverside Road and Marsh Road in North Wilmington. In each incident, an unknown male suspect vandalized commercial air conditioning units and removed the internal copper components, which totaled over $120,000 in stolen copper and damage.
Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives developed Matthew Foth as the suspect responsible for copper thefts at the following locations in North Wilmington: Artisans’ Bank, Capriotti’s, Crown Homes Real Estate, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Graylyn Dental, Kim Acupressure, Muddy Paws Pet Salon, Perfect Nails, Poppycock Tattoo, Regency Centers Property Management, Sherwin-Williams, Supercuts, and suites 1705, 1707, 1707B, 1709A, and 1709B on Marsh Road officials said. Further showed that during one of the thefts Foth contacted an accomplice, a female suspect who has not been identified at this time, to assist him added police.
On January 14, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at Foth’s residence in Wilmington, where they took him into custody without incident. Foth was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $48,201 unsecured bond.
- Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 10 counts
- Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony) – 10 counts
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree – 2 counts
- Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree