State Police arrest man for felony copper thefts in N. Wilmington

The Delaware State Police arrested 46-year-old Matthew Foth of Wilmington for at least 17 copper thefts from businesses in North Wilmington between November and December.

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 more than $120,000 in stolen copper and damage.

Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives developed 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. Further investigation revealed that during one of the thefts Foth contacted an accomplice, a female suspect who has not been identified at this time, to assist him.

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, 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 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree – 2 counts
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Property Crimes Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Desiderio by calling (302) 365-8406. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

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