Crime & Safety

Curfew In Place After Looting In Wilmington Area: Police

A curfew is in place for Wilmington and New Hanover County after looting was reported in the region, police said.

WILMINGTON, NC β€” A nighttime curfew is in place until further notice for Wilmington and New Hanover County after looting was reported in the region, police said. Residents must be off the road from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. "This is for your safety. Please abide by it," Wilmington Police said on Facebook.

Four people were arrested in nearby Brunswick County for allegedly breaking into cars and a business. The Brunswick County Sheriff said that with homes and cars left empty as residents evacuated, thieves were breaking into vehicles and buildings.

According to the sheriff's office, Dashaun Smith, 25, and Brandon Bellamy, 30, are both charged with possession of burglary tools and break and or enter for entering Tommy’s Mini Mart in Leland. They are each being held under a $20,000 bond.

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In the south part of the county, Devin Harris, 21, and Justice Harris, 18, are both charged with break or enter a motor vehicle. They are being held under a $5,000 bond each.

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Sheriff John Ingram told WWAY that evacuees who are worried about their home or business should remember that "your life is the top priority and do not attempt to return until it is safe to do so."

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