WARSAW — In the wake of numerous break-ins and thefts in the Ward’s Bridge community, the Warsaw Police Department has apprehended a suspect and leveled more than 20 charges against the man.

Nelson Craig Hartley, 29, of 615 N. Pine St., Warsaw, has been charged with four counts of felony breaking and entering, four counts of felony larceny and five counts of possession of stolen property.

Additionally, Hartley received single counts of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of stolen property, possession of cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for the storage of a controlled substance, injury to real property, misdemeanor larceny, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a public officer.

According to Warsaw police officials, on the night of March 27 and into the early morning hours of March 28, there were 10 break-ins and larcenies from outbuildings, workshops and vehicles in Warsaw. Most of the crimes occurred in the West Ward’s Bridge Road neighborhood, behind Friendly Mart, police said.

Investigation into the break-ins and thefts ensued and last week, on April 1, officers responded to Hartley’s home to confront him about the crimes.

When police arrived at the man’s Pine Street residence, Hartley fled on foot, but was apprehended moments later just a “couple of blocks away” on West Chelly Street. He was subsequently placed in the Duplin County jail under $200,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Duplin District Court on April 24.

There was $2,215 worth of items stolen during the incidents, a large portion of which was able to be recovered by officers, authorities said.

Warsaw police Capt. Jerry Wood took the time to remind citizens to secure their belongings. The police captain said it is important residents not leave valuables of any sort, especially firearms, in their vehicles overnight.

“It is just a better idea to bring those items in the house and properly secure them in a safe manner,” Wood stated. “If you have a workshop or outbuilding with things of value inside, you should make sure it is locked and (well-lit). While you can never stop people from stealing entirely, the idea is to make it as difficult as possible, because thieves usually pass by harder targets to get to the easier ones.”

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@myclintonnc.com.