Bryan Stewart

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Rockingham Police Department arrested three individuals early Tuesday morning in connection with several breaking and entering of motor vehicles and larcenies in the Rockingham area.

Mark Elliot Rosberg, 18, Reid Thomas Milligan, 17 and Lequinton Dahawn Ellerbe, 18, all of Hamlet, were apprehended Tuesday morning after receiving a call in reference to suspicious activity, according to Rockingham Police Chief, Robert Voorhees.

One of the individuals was identified after officers reported to the scene. Following further investigation, the other two were found in connection to the same breaking and enterings.

“These were a recent thing,” Voorhees said. “Probably within the last couple days to couple weeks.”

The break-ins occurred at night while the cars were left in the victim’s yard. Most vehicles were left unsecured and unlocked, but no physical damage was dealt to the vehicle.

During the larcenies, GPS systems, car stereos/CD players, radar detectors, CDs, satellite radio receivers and other assorted electronics and property was stolen.

Officers were able to recover some of the stolen property and it will be returned to the owners, according to the Rockingham Police Department.

Many of the incidents were reported on the northside of Rockingham near Cumberland Circle, Anson Avenue, Love Lane, Deweese Avenue, Stanley Avenue, Rowan Terrace, Carolina Drive, Anthony Avenue and Fayetteville Road. The arrests clear incidents reported in these areas, according to the Rockingham Police Department.

According to Voorhees, the crimes were somewhat of an anomaly to the neighborhoods.

“We addressed our resources to the area,” Voorhees said.

The Rockingham Police Department urges all citizens to secure their vehicles when unattended and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, secure them in the truck or in a locked glove box.

Rosberg’s bond has been set to $25,000. He has been charged with 10 counts of felonious breaking and entering of motor vehicle and 10 counts of misdemeanor larceny.

Milligan and Ellerbe have bonds set at $20,000. Milligan is facing four counts of felonious breaking and entering of motor vehicle and four counts of misdemeanor larceny. Ellerbe faces six counts of both.

All three are being held at the Richmond County Jail and a court date for all three is set for Sept. 24.

If anyone has information or they believe they have been a victim of a crime, they can reach the Rockingham Police Department at (910) 895-2468.