DSP News Release:  Dover Man Charged in Smyrna Area Thefts

Location: 

·        Ryan Road Smyrna, DE

·        Seven Hickories Road Cheswold, DE

·        Wheatley's Pond Road Smyrna, DE

·        Big Oak Road Smyrna, DE

·        Alley Corner Road Clayton, DE

DATE and TIME:  

·        Between June 2009 and June 2010

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:  

·        Jeffrey S. Caldwell-48 Smyrna, DE

·        4 counts Burglary Third Degree

·        2 counts Theft $1000.00 or Greater and Victim is 62 yrs of Age or Older

·        Theft Under $1,500.00

·        Theft $1,500 or Greater and Victim is 62 yrs of Age or Older

·        Theft $1,500 or Greater

·        Criminal Mischief Under $1,000

·        Criminal Trespass Third Degree

·        James T. Vaughn Correctional Center $13,000 secured bond

Resume:

Smyrna/Clayton/Cheswold-

Friday January 14, 2011 Delaware State Police charged Jeffrey S. Caldwell-48 of Dover with numerous thefts committed in the Smyrna, Clayton and Cheswold areas of Kent County Delaware.  

A Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol Friday January 14, 2011 observed an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in an open area near Hickory Ridge Road and S. DuPont Boulevard Smyrna Delaware.  The Trooper initially did not see anyone in the area of the ATV however moments later observed Jeffrey S. Caldwell walking along the roadway. 

The Delaware State Trooper searched the area and later discovered Caldwell was lying in the snow near the Garrison’s Lake Golf course.  Delaware State Police detained Caldwell and eventually conducted a check on the ATV which resulted in a positive check as being stolen.  Delaware State Police during the course of the investigation were able to determine that Caldwell stole the ATV from a location on Big Woods Road in April 2010. 

Subsequent to Caldwell’s arrest Delaware State Police searched around the residence he was residing at and discovered a large quantity of items reported or presumably stolen between June 2009 and June 2010. 

The items were seized and taken back to Delaware State Police Troop 3 for investigative purposes.  Delaware State Police believe Caldwell would go out after dark and take items from yards in the Smyrna, Clayton and Cheswold area. 

The list of items recovered include the ATV, large quantities of lawn mowers, weed eaters, power washers, lawn care tools, Penn Fishing poles and bicycles.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 will hold an open display of the items on Sunday January 23, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the Troop 3 Location.  Troop 3 is located at 3036 Upper King Road Dover Delaware.  State Police detectives are attempting to return as much stolen property to the victims as possible.  Delaware State Police are asking victim’s when responding on Sunday to have a Police report number, receipts or any information which can assist in property being returned to its proper owner.  Victims are asked to respond to the lobby where a State Police detective will meet with them. 

Caldwell was charged with burglary and theft charges then remanded to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $13,000 secured bond.