By Lance Martin

rrspin.com

JACKSON – The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 40 residential break-ins since November of last year, according to Captain Chuck Hasty.

Hasty said these crimes are occurring predominantly on the eastern end of the county and involve the theft of more than $100,000 in guns, electronics, televisions and even Native American artifacts.

The sheriff’s office has received reports that a small, green vehicle has been observed in some of the areas, as well as pickup trucks and Jeeps. The crimes are occurring mainly during daylight hours when people are at work, Hasty said.

“I think some are related; some have been committed by the same group of people,” Hasty noted.

To date, only one arrest has been made, that for a residential break-in in the area of the Laura Vann Road. Hasty said warrants have been issued for the arrest of another individual in that particular case.

Duane Laron Boone, 22, of Pendleton, was charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. The sheriff’s office has warrants issued for Jaquan Tyliek Deloatch, 22, of Conway, for the same charges.

Hasty said Boone and Deloatch allegedly worked together.

Those with information on the whereabouts of Deloatch are encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-534-2611. That same number can be used to report suspicious or criminal activity in your neighborhood.

Residents of one community in Northampton County have joined forces to help cut down on rash of recent break-ins.

A Neighborhood Watch Program has been established in the Ashley’s Grove/Pinetops area, located in the eastern part of the county, north of Woodland. Residents there have met with Hasty and other sheriff’s officers in keeping an eye on the neighborhood and spotting/reporting suspicious activity. The group had another meeting last night (Monday).

Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith said his office is ready to assist other communities/neighborhoods interested in establishing a Watch Program. He stated the starting point was for concerned citizens to recruit and organize as many neighbors as possible and then contact the Northampton Sheriff’s Office to schedule a meeting where community concerns and the development of an action plan and communication plan can be discussed.

“Northampton County is built on the strength of our citizens,” Smith said. “Not only does neighborhood watch allow citizens to help in the fight against crime, it is also an opportunity for communities to bond through service by helping our neighbors. The Neighborhood Watch Program draws upon the compassion of average citizens, asking them to lend their neighbors a hand as well as to your local law enforcement.”

Smith added that the program will work in rural communities and neighborhoods where the majority of family members are either working or in school, thus leaving their residences deserted.

“While criminals have attempted to use this to their advantage, the neighborhoods in which citizens have observed and reported suspicious activity have enjoyed lower crime rates and have assisted law enforcement with catching these criminals,” Smith noted.

What are some of the benefits of starting a Neighborhood Watch Program?

** Connects you with your neighbors and local law enforcement in a positive way;

** Helps reduce crime in your neighborhood;

** Maintains a safer and better neighborhood;

** Unites the neighborhood; and

Improves communications between neighbors and law enforcement.

Those interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Program are encouraged to contact Captain Hasty at 252-534-2611.

(Lance Martin is Publisher and Editor of www.rrspin.com. This story and accompanying photo are published with his permission.)