Man accused of dozens of break-ins caught

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 5, 2012

SALISBURY — An unfamiliar SUV led to the arrest of a man believed to be behind dozens of break-ins in at least three counties.
Salisbury Police said Richard Edward Burns was caught about 4:30 a.m. after his vehicle was found backed up to a fence near Copper Top Storage Unit facility at Airport Road and Airport Loop Road.
Officers said the 23-year-old had put stolen goods on the ground near the vehicle for loading.
Burns is believed to have broken into dozens of storage units in Cabarrus and Stanly counties, and in China Grove and Kannapolis.
Officers said Burns had a pair of bolt cutters with him.
He was charged with felony breaking and entering, first-degree trespassing and felony possession of burglary tools.
Burns, of 1201 E. First St., was in jail Wednesday under a $25,000 bond.