JACKSON — Three Northampton County men are facing felony charges for allegedly stealing an engine and scrap metal.

Shea Tann, 20, of Main Street in Woodland, Ryan Tann, 24, of Bryantown Road in Rich Square and Leon Flythe, 27, of Bryantown Road in Rich Square were taken into custody Dec. 20 by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office for the crime.

Each suspect was charged with felony larceny and felony possession of stolen property.

According to NCSO Chief Detective Capt. D.M. Harmon, the stolen property consisted of an engine and other scrap metal that was taken from the victim’s property in Seaboard.

“An eyewitness was able to get a partial tag number to the trailer that was hauling the stolen property,” Capt. Harmon said.

He added that the loaded trailer was located by the NCSO in Potecasi with a blown tire and no one was around it. The stolen items were found on the back of the trailer.

Later, the three suspects returned and were attempting to change the tire when they were taken into custody by Deputy Jonathan Jenkins and Deputy Jimmy Bracy.

The three suspects were placed in the Northampton County Jail on a $10,000 secured bond each. Their first court appearance was on December 23.

Harmon asked citizens to be vigilant about scrap metal theft which is becoming a widespread problem in Northampton.

“It’s an ongoing problem in Northampton County and other surrounding counties as well,” he said.

Harmon suggested residents keep an eye on their property as well as looking out for their neighbors.

“Be mindful of suspicious vehicles and suspicious people,” he said.

One of the best ways to catch scrap metal thieves was setting up cameras, Harmon noted.

The NCSO can be contacted by calling (252) 534-2611 and the Northampton County Crime Stoppers at (252) 535-1110.