Recently, the Clayton Police Department has investigated several reports of nighttime larcenies from automobiles in several residential areas. Close to two dozen cars have been entered and loose items in the cars and glove boxes have been stolen during these incidents. It appears that all the cars that were entered were unattended with the doors unlocked, and the cars generally are parked at curbside or in private driveways near the road.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Department has also been investigating several similar entries and thefts from unlocked vehicles recently in various unincorporated areas. It is very likely that many other cars have been entered, but nothing was stolen or only items of minor value were taken, so no police report may have been filed. Multiple cases have been reported in the areas of Riverwood, Glen Laurel, Ellington, and Glen Haven subdivisions, as well as Parkside Village Apartments. Investigations tend to indicate that more than one suspect (or group) is involved.
The Clayton Police Department urges residents to secure valuables and lock their vehicles, even when parked at home. Most of these thefts are preventable with such precautionary measures by car owners.
Joshua Wayne Dale (17) of 89 Middlecrest Way, Clayton, NC was arrested today by Detective Lt. J.T. Parker on warrants charging 7 counts of felonious breaking and/or entering a vehicle, one count of felonious larceny, and 4 counts of misdemeanor larceny. The investigation tends to indicate that he entered seven unlocked cars at five locations, all in Glen Laurel subdivision. Dale was cooperative and all reported stolen property, ranging from to a knife to a laptop computer, has been recovered in the cases for which he was charged. Other items that are believed stolen are in the custody of the police department and efforts to find owners are underway. He was given a $5,500 secured bond on all charges.
Investigators suspect that other offenders may have been observed by someone in the other areas and are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the persons responsible for those offenses. Anyone with information is asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611. A cash reward is available for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible. Callers may remain confidential.
UPADTED INFORMATION: Another Arrest Made in Vehicle Break-Ins
The Clayton Police Department has charged a fifth suspect with multiple counts of entering unlocked cars and thefts of items found inside the cars. Colton Alan Jones (17) of 3702 Lizzie Mill Road in Selma, has been arrested on warrants obtained by Detective J.G. Barnes that charge him with 13 counts of felonious breaking and/or entering vehicles, and 9 counts of larceny. Jones was arrested by Det. Barnes this morning and was jailed in lieu of $144,000 secured bond. All of these offenses are previously reported cases for which four others have also been arrested. The investigation tends to indicate that Jones acted in concert with the others that have been arrested earlier.
The Clayton Police Department has charged a sixth suspect with multiple counts of entering unlocked cars and thefts of items found inside the cars. Anthony “Tony” Richard Walls (18) of 8400 Fawncrest Drive in Raleigh, has been arrested on warrants obtained by Detective J.G. Barnes that charge him with 14 counts of felonious breaking and/or entering vehicles, and 11 counts of larceny. Read more here.
Walls was arrested by Det. Barnes on Friday 5-9-08 and was jailed in lieu of $204,500 secured bond. All of these offenses are previously reported cases for which five others have also been arrested. The investigation tends to indicate that Walls acted in concert with the others that have been arrested earlier.
Further arrests are not anticipated in these cases.