NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested a Maryland man in connection with a series of burglaries at a Newark construction company that resulted in the theft of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of copper wire and equipment.
According to investigators, 45-year-old Matthew Ward of Elkton, Maryland, was taken into custody on October 23, 2025, following a multi-week investigation by Delaware State Police Troop 2 Property Crimes detectives. Ward is accused of repeatedly breaking into the property of United Lines Construction Services (ULCS), located at 2113 Ogletown Road, between late September and late October.
Police said the first incident occurred between September 30 and October 2, when a suspect allegedly cut through ULCS’s perimeter fence, entered the property, and stole approximately $5,000 worth of copper wire from three storage containers. The break-in also caused about $500 in property damage.
A second incident reportedly occurred on October 9, when the suspect again cut a hole in the fence and stole an estimated $23,400 worth of copper wire and street lighting equipment. Damage to the business during this break-in was estimated at $1,045.
Detectives said the same suspect returned between October 15 and 16, stealing roughly $15,000 worth of copper wire and causing another $500 in damage. A fourth incident was reported on October 21, when the suspect allegedly stole approximately $450 worth of copper wire, though no property damage was reported.
Through surveillance and other investigative techniques, detectives identified Ward as the individual allegedly responsible for all four incidents. He was located in Newark and arrested without incident.
Ward was charged with six felony counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, three felony counts of Possession of Burglar Tools, three felony counts of Theft of Property Valued at $1,500 or Greater, one misdemeanor count of Theft Under $1,500, three counts of Criminal Mischief, and four counts of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
Following arraignment before Justice of the Peace Court 2, Ward was released on a $6,800 unsecured bond.
The Delaware State Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Troop 2 Property Crimes detectives.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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