The gunmen are still at large.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Sunday, a single black male robbed the Callao Stop In, taking an undisclosed amount of cash, said Northumberland County Sheriff Chuck Wilkins.
The man was dressed in dark clothing, wearing a hooded coat and blue bandanna over his face, Sheriff Wilkins said. He was armed with a shotgun and fled on foot in an undisclosed direction of travel.
At approximately 7 a.m. Monday, two black males wearing black ski masks and armed with hand guns approached a Hacks Neck Road resident as he was returning from starting his truck in his backyard, Sheriff Wilkins said.
The resident was ordered into the house where the assailants ordered the resident, his elderly parents and his 7-year-old daughter to lie on the floor as they ransacked the house, Sheriff Wilkins said.
A small fireproof box containing a considerable amount of cash was taken, along with resident's phone and cell phone.
The masked men left in the resident’s Toyota Tundra pickup. The pickup was recovered a short time later within a mile of the house, Sheriff Wilkins said.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
Sheriff Wilkins said incidents such as the one on Hacks Neck Road can be avoided if people put their savings in the bank where they are insured and lock up their valuables in safety deposit boxes.
“Don’t give them something to steal,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “Don’t keep your life savings at home.”
Sheriff Wilkins said people are stealing three-foot-tall military surplus safes that require three men to carry, a small firebox isn’t going to stop them.
“Time and time again that’s what happens. Information leaks out. People find out you are keeping cash at home,” Sheriff Wilkins said.
Wilkins also warned people to rethink their regular routines in times like these.
“Don’t go start your car and leave it running,” he said.
Sheriff Wilkins warned that, with the economy: “It’s just going to get worse.”
Sheriff Wilkins asked that anyone with information or observations about either incident contact the Northumberland County sheriff’s office at 580-5221, or Crime Solvers at 580-8477.
A cash reward is being offered, Sheriff Wilkins said. Callers don’t have to give their name and are not required to testify in court.
