KENT COUNTY — A 42-year-old Smyrna man was arrested in alleged connection with multiple utility trailer thefts and related charges, Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said.

The Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit began investigating a rash of thefts surrounding utility trailers within Kent County beginning in early August.
On Friday, police said, a person observed a black Ford Expedition hauling his utility trailer southbound on U.S. 13 in the Rodney Village area, police said.

The person followed the trailer into the parking lot of the Eden Hill Medical Center in Dover. Dover Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and took Keith B. Worley into custody without incident, authorities said.

Four of the five utility trailers that were reported stolen along with a zero turn lawn mower were recovered in the Canterbury Mobile Home Park in Felton, police said.

Charges included felony theft (three counts), theft (three counts), criminal mischief (two counts) and criminal trespass (five counts). Mr. Worley was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown on $4,104 secured bond.