If you’re a burglar, Northampton County is a good place not to ply your trade.

On Aug. 21, communities on either side of the county saw unrelated residential break-ins.

The first break-in took place around 10:40 p.m. in Woodland when a window was broken and an X-Box 360 and its controllers were taken.

Officers were notified that a suspect was still in the area and they soon spotted and arrested him, reportedly holding the stolen items.

Additionally, a juvenile petition has been drawn in connection with the incident.

At 1 a.m., Northampton Sheriff’s deputies responded to another breaking and entering, this one in Gaston.

The thieves in this instance took two flat screen televisions and a Playstation 3.

Sheriff’s department personnel soon had three men in custody in that incident as well.

In both instances, information provided by area residents combined with efficient and effective police work led to the quick apprehension of the thieves.

Our hats are off to Northampton Sheriff Wardie Vincent and his officers and detectives for a job well done. They performed their jobs well in these cases…thanks to the help of local citizens.

Citizens are always encouraged to get involved in helping to curb crime in their communities. All it takes is a simple phone call to your local law enforcement agency. They don’t need your name….just your information.