Break-in suspects are teens

MOREHEAD CITY - The beach isn't the only place where unlocked vehicles have become an easy target for potential burglars.

While law enforcement officers are investigating a string of vehicle break-ins that occurred in the Point area of Emerald Isle, the Morehead City Police Department recently made two arrests related to motor vehicle break-ins there.

A GPS system, two subwoofers, a TV monitor, 50 DVDs, 30 CDs, an amp and a headphone were stolen from four vehicles. Approximately $1,000 in cash was also stolen, police said.

None of the vehicles were locked at the time they were broken into.

All of the property and much of the cash were recovered, but police said vehicle owners can avoid having property stolen from their cars by keeping valuables out of sight and locking the doors, authorities said.

"If folks would just take the time to lock their vehicles, especially at night, it would help," said Maj. Richard Abell.

Two suspects in the Morehead City break-ins were arrested late last week.

Charles Scott Webb, 17, of Morehead City, is charged with four counts of felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle, one count of felony larceny and four counts of misdemeanor larceny.

Robert Lee Small IV, 16, of Newport, is charged with four counts of felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle, one count of felony larceny and three counts of misdemeanor larceny.

Three of the cars broken into were located off Penny Lane. The fourth was on Crystal Oaks Lane.

According to information from police, one of the victims was traveling in a 1985 Chevrolet Chevette and happened to notice one of his subwoofers in the back of the car. The victim was able to convince the driver to pull over and called police at the same time.

When officers arrived on the scene, Webb ran away and was later apprehended at his residence, police said.

Contact Carteret County reporter Jannette Pippin at jpippin@freedomenc.com or 252-808-2275. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.