CONWAY — The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens to be vigilant after a peanut trailer was allegedly stolen from here and sold for scrap metal.

According to NCSO Detective Lt. Brenda Burnette, on Friday, John Allen Smith, 43, of Conway was taken into custody for allegedly stealing the trailer and selling it for scrap metal.

Smith was charged with misdemeanor larceny and placed in the Northampton County Jail on a $500 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 28.

The trailer was reported stolen from the Conway area by the owner on September 28.

Burnette said the sheriff’s office was not able to recover the trailer as it had been taken to the recycling center and allegedly sold.

She added the investigation is continuing and there could be more arrests in the case.

Burnette urged citizens to look out for their neighbors and even to be weary of giving out too much information to people.

She encouraged people to call the authorities if they see anyone in their neighbor’s yard. She said the person they see may be innocently there, but it could also turn out to be someone committing a crime.

“If turns out to be something (criminal), we’ve (law enforcement) got them red-handed,” she said.

Burnette also asked citizen to be cautious of giving out too much information. During what seems to be innocent conversation, Burnette said the person that you’re speaking with may be taking mental notes of what valuable items you own and what schedule you keep.

“Don’t hesitate to give us a call,” she said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”  

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