Deerfield Beach, Florida – Authorities in Broward County have arrested three men accused of carrying out a series of copper wire burglaries across multiple cities, causing extensive financial losses to businesses and public facilities. Investigators say the thefts spanned several weeks and involved coordinated surveillance, lookout roles, and specialized tools.
Incident Overview
The Broward Sheriff’s Office announced that Selvin Mathew, 49, Garrett Smith, 57, and Charles Webb, 39, were taken into custody on Sunday in connection with multiple burglaries involving copper wiring and construction equipment. Jail records show the trio faces charges including burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools.
Detectives believe the suspects are responsible for a pattern of thefts across Broward County, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damages and stolen property.
Timeline of Events
According to arrest reports, investigators had been monitoring the suspects after linking them to a string of similar crimes dating back to early December. Surveillance intensified after detectives identified a box truck and a white Kia believed to be used repeatedly during the burglaries.
The arrests followed an incident on Sunday at a business located in the 2500 block of Northwest 48th Street in Deerfield Beach, where detectives observed the two vehicles arriving together.
Details From Police
Investigators say Mathew acted as a lookout while Smith and Webb exited the box truck. Reports indicate Mathew then entered the property through a hole cut in the fence and assisted the others in loading copper wiring into the truck.
“The suspects coordinated their actions, with one acting as a lookout while the others removed copper wiring from the business,” detectives noted in arrest documents.
Authorities estimate approximately $35,000 worth of copper wiring was stolen during that burglary, along with damage to the fence. The box truck and Kia fled the scene separately but were later stopped by law enforcement, leading to the arrest of all three suspects.
Key Facts of the Case
- Suspects arrested: Selvin Mathew (49), Garrett Smith (57), Charles Webb (39)
- Charges include: Burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools
- Primary target: Copper wiring and construction equipment
- Estimated losses: Over $200,000 across multiple incidents
- Timeframe: December–January
Additional Burglaries Linked to the Trio
Detectives say the same vehicles were used in multiple burglaries throughout December and January.
One incident occurred on Dec. 7 at a business in the 400 block of Southwest 12th Avenue in Pompano Beach, where shipping containers and work trucks were broken into. Approximately $74,000 worth of copper wire rolls and additional equipment were stolen.
Another burglary followed on Dec. 15 at a concrete business in the 2000 block of Powerline Road in Pompano Beach. Surveillance video showed a box truck arriving while two suspects entered the property, one cutting the lock on the front gate. Investigators estimate losses at $32,000.
Reports also link the suspects to a similar burglary at a concrete business in Davie, carried out days earlier.
December 22 and Late-December Incidents
On Dec. 22, detectives say two burglaries occurred. One targeted a public works facility in the 1100 block of Northeast 3rd Avenue in Pompano Beach, where nine concrete saws valued at $17,388 were stolen.
The same night, another business in the 1500 block of North Powerline Road was hit. Investigators report the suspects cut open a fence and stole copper wire and a wire feed machine, causing losses of about $16,000. Surveillance footage showed the box truck and white Kia entering and leaving the area together.
On Dec. 29, tools and copper wiring worth approximately $34,000 were stolen from Broward County Water and Wastewater Services at 2555 W. Copans Road in Pompano Beach.
January Burglary and Confession
The final burglary linked to the suspects occurred on Jan. 12 at a construction site in the 1600 block of North Andrews Avenue Extension in Pompano Beach. Investigators estimate $30,000 to $50,000 worth of copper wire and tools were taken.
Following the arrests, Webb admitted to participating in Sunday’s burglary and acknowledged involvement in several others, according to arrest reports.
Public Safety and Crime Prevention Context
Copper wire theft has become an increasing problem across South Florida, driven by high resale values and limited traceability. Law enforcement officials urge businesses to improve lighting, install surveillance cameras, and secure fencing to reduce vulnerability.
Conclusion
Authorities say the arrests mark a significant step in disrupting an organized theft operation that impacted businesses and public facilities across Broward County. The investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and potential additional charges.
If you have information related to copper thefts or suspicious activity in your area, contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
