Two Elgin residents who police say know the real meaning of “Neighborhood Watch” are credited with helping officers nab two burglary suspects this week.
Thanks to quick action by an unidentified man and woman who live in the 600 block of St. Charles Street, police made two burglary arrests and recovered jewelry and about $200 stolen from a neighbor, authorities said.
Robert L. Croom, 30, of the 0-99 block of Chapel Street and Feriand Johnson, 30, of the 400 block of North Liberty Street were charged Tuesday afternoon with one count each of residential burglary, authorities said.
The arrests occurred after police received a call about two suspicious people walking behind a residence next door to the callers’ home, Deputy Chief James Lamkin said Wednesday.
The callers were aware of a recent burglary in the neighborhood and were fearful of a second one, Lamkin said. Police were told that one of the men stayed in back of the home, while the other stood near the front corner looking around.
As the two men left the area, the witnesses followed the two in a vehicle, police said. They flagged down a police cruiser and pointed out the two suspects, Lamkin said.
The men were arrested and taken back to the home, where police said they found the rear doors had been kicked in.
