JACKSON — Electronics and gaming equipment appeared to be the item of choice for five burglary suspects in Northampton County.

On Friday, August 21, two communities on either side of the county saw two unrelated break-ins to residences. Those crimes resulted in the arrests of four suspects, one juvenile petition being drawn and the recovery of the items stolen.

According to Northampton Sheriff Wardie Vincent, his office received a call in reference to a break-in at 10:40 p.m. in Woodland.

Vincent said a window to a residence on Walnut Street was broken for entry and an Xbox 360 along with its controllers had been stolen.

Sheriff’s Lt. Corey Jackson and Deputy Carter responded at the request of Officer Jimmy Pair who received information that the suspect was still in the area.

Vincent said after searching the area, the officers spotted Devon Bowser, 16, of 193 Burgwyn St. in Woodland allegedly holding the stolen items.

Bowser was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, larceny, possession of stolen goods and injury to real property.

He was place in the Northampton County Jail on a $32,000 secured bond.

Vincent said additionally a juvenile petition has been drawn for a 15-year-old in relation to the breaking and entering.

At 1 a.m. the same day, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in reference to a breaking and entering on Old Emporia Road in Gaston.

Upon Detective Lt. Brenda Burnette along with Deputy Jason Boone and Deputy James arrival at the scene, the officers were advised by the victim that several items that had been taken, including a plasma television, a Playstation 3 and another flat screen television. Vincent said there was also damage to the door and other items in the residence.

After further investigation and with information provided by area citizens, the officers were able to arrest three suspects, all of Gaston; Cameron James Hayes, 18, of 219 Ashe St., Javarrae Kyshe Rook, 22, of 116 N. Bay St. and Tyrrell Trrick High, 22, of 126 Cal Floyd Rd.

Each of the men was charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods and injury to personal property.

Hayes, Rook and High were all placed in the Northampton County Jail, each on a $31,000 secured bond.

Vincent praised the work of the officers in each case for doing an “outstanding job” in apprehending the suspects quickly. He also thanked the citizens who provided his officers with information.

All of the property stolen was recovered in both cases.