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Stolen heavy construction equipment damages wildlife area structures |
The New Castle County Police Department and Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section are investigating the theft of heavy construction equipment and related vandalism of buildings on the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area, located off Route 9, northeast of Smyrna.
On Feb. 1, New Castle County police took a report of a stolen vehicle from the Christiana Excavating Company in Newark. A 2004 JCB excavator/dump truck, valued at $180,000, was discovered as missing from the company lot.
Fish and Wildlife enforcement agents responded the next morning to a report of damage to the Vogel House and its outbuildings on the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area, apparently caused by the missing truck. The truck was found imbedded in a storage shed, one of three structures damaged on the property. and roof braces.

The shed was nearly demolished, as the truck had been rammed through its wooden swinging doors, tearing into its doorframe and ceiling. Fish and Wildlife Agents also reported the steel gate which separates the hunters' parking lot from the Vogel House was damaged, evidently when the truck was driven onto the property.
The truck was also apparently driven into rear porch supports on the house and the front of a one-room cedar shake schoolhouse on the property, opening a bay-window sized hole near the front door.
Agents reported damage to the vehicle’s fiberglass roof cap, left and right mirrors, right side fender molding, left side step ladder and windshield.
Patrols of the area have been stepped up, and both police agencies are seeking information on possible suspects. To report information, please contact Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at 302-739-4580 or New Castle County Police at 302-395-8171, or call Crimestoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Photo provided by Division of Fish & Wildlife
Greenwood man fined for hunting violations, also faces drug charges
Kent County Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents arrested Dwayne S. Breeding of Greenwood and charged him with hunting violations and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Breeding, 24, of 13651 Tall Road, was arrested Jan. 24 for spotlighting and for keeping a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, in addition to the drug charges filed against him.
Agents seized two rifles and a 12-guage shotgun from Breeding, and issued fines for the wildlife-related charges totaling $400. A trial on the drug charges is pending in the Court of Common Pleas in Dover.
“This is an example of someone making the wrong decision, and we take these violations very seriously,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.
With some hunting seasons still open, citizens are encouraged to report hunting violations that they observe by calling 302-739-4580. This number is staffed seven days a week and 24 hours a day.