Cary Police Nab Two Suspects for Theft Crimes, May Clear 38 Cases Involving 80 Victims

14 GPS systems, money among items stolen from unlocked vehicles

May 29, 2008

CARY , NC – The Town of Cary Police Department has arrested and charged two suspects that may be linked to 38 larceny and breaking and entering cases, including two burglaries and one armed robbery that have occurred in the Cary area since April 3, 2008 ; as many as 80 victims are believed to be involved with the cases. Charles Robert Douglass III, 23, of 2223 Waterford Forest Circle of Cary was arrested and charged with five counts of felonious breaking and entering motor vehicle on May 21, 2008 , and charged with two counts of second degree burglary on May 28, 2008 . Cary Police also arrested and charged Roy Askey, 18, of 119 Kindred Way in Cary with ten counts of felonious breaking and entering motor vehicle on May 22, 2008 , and with one count each of armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on May 27, 2008 . Askey is a suspect in the armed robbery at the Handee Hugo’s, 2418 Southwest Cary Parkway , that occurred on May 16, 2008 .

“We’re very proud of the work on these cases and the support of our citizens, all of which has enabled us to help protect our community from further victimization by these two individuals,” said Captain Mike Williams of the Cary Police Department.

Police arrested Douglass following a series of larcenies from motor vehicles near Howland Avenue on Tuesday, May 20; eighteen larcenies were reported in the area during the overnight hours. The victims reported that money, a book bag, financial information and an iPod nano were taken from their vehicles. As Police continued their investigation, they discovered that Douglass was involved in other crimes, including numerous larcenies from motor vehicles and two home burglaries in the High House and Maynard roads area. Douglass is allegedly linked to a total of 13 cases occurring in Cary since April 21, 2008 .

Cary Police officers discovered Askey while he was attempting to use stolen credit cards at an ATM at Parkway Point, 2420 SW Cary Parkway , on May 22, 2008 . After being questioned by Police, they discovered that Askey had numerous credit and gift cards that were not in his name. A search warrant of his residence revealed property linking him to numerous larcenies from vehicles, as well as the armed robbery. Askey is believed to have stolen the following items: Nintendo game systems, 14 GPS systems, money, wallets, camping gear, CDs, sunglasses and DVS video systems. Askey is a suspect in 25 cases occurring in Cary since April 3, 2008 .

The maximum fine for each of the crimes are as follows: felonious breaking and entering motor vehicle, 20 months; burglary, 29 months; armed robbery, 146 months; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 29 months.

“We’re asking our citizens to help us continue keeping our community safe by locking their doors when leaving their parked cars,” added Williams. “Unfortunately in each of the breaking and entering vehicle cases, the victims’ car doors were unlocked.”

To help reduce the number of non-forced entry crimes, Police encourage citizens to use the following prevention tips:

Use motion sensors on lights over garage doors, parked cars, and doors to the house.
Report suspicious people, activity, and vehicles to 911 – when in doubt, go ahead and call!
Do not confront possible criminals. Get a good look at them and their vehicle. Then, call 911. If you have a camera phone, take a picture of the vehicles or subjects if it can be done without additional risk.
Start a Community Watch Group to keep your neighborhood safe and maintain your quality of life. Contact the Community Services Unit at (919) 469-4324 for more information on Community Watch.
Make a record of make, model, and serial numbers of your valuables like laptop computers, lawn mowers, tools, and iPods.

Douglass and Askey are currently in the Wake County Public Safety Center and are being held on $25,000 and $230,000 bonds, respectively.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Mike Williams, Captain – Investigation and Family Services, (919) 469-4017

April Raphiou, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 481-5091

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 393-4383