Video camera helps solve break-in mysteries

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department pressed its new helicopter into service in the search for a suspected burglar. They say William Hewett was involved in multiple break-ins overnight.

Jay Royals owns Royal Coach and Motor Works in Southport. Tuesday, he sat back and watched the surveillance video that helped save his shop.

“I immediately went in and backed up my DVR, and started scoping it out, called the police in the meantime, and called them back and said hey, come one down and take a picture,” Royal said.

The owner of Royal Coach and Motor Works says the suspect first tried to break in through this door, then he believes he took this bike, and carried it about thirty feet, they were going to use it to step up and break into this back vent, little did they know they were caught on camera.

Royal installed this security system about six months ago. Since then, he’s caught at least two attempted burglars in the act. “I stress the fact to my friends that it’s something you want to invest in, cause it doesn’t take long to wipe out your inventory and start from scratch again.”

Tuesday, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department searched for one of the suspects on foot and in the air.

“We want to try and get him off the streets as quickly as possible,” said Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram.

Seventeen-year-old William Earl Hewett was arrested late Tuesday afternoon. The Sheriff says he is no stranger to law enforcement.

Royal says he’s glad he helped put Hewett behind bars. “If you can’t afford a camera, set a bear trap.”

While Hewett is currently in custody, deputies are still investigating the break-ins.