Salem man arrested for three burglaries in Salem

A 21-year-old Salem man was arrested by Salem police on three counts of burglary.

Police report: Thomas Wilkins, of North Jefferson, was arrested for the Sept. 5 burglary of the Salem American Legion on East Main Street, the Sept. 20 burglary of the Salem Community High School football concession stand and an Oct. 2 burglary of a vehicle the rear parking lot of the high school.

Police arrested Wilkins as he walked through the school parking lot Wednesday.

Using the video, police said Wilkins was identified as the suspect in the American Legion break-in. An attempt was made to break into the safe and the cash drawer was pulled out. There was no money in the safe or cash register. Entry was through a back door. The burglar alarm sounded, but the person responsible had already disappeared before the police arrived.

According to police, the cash drawer at the concession stand was pulled out, but all of the money was removed after the game the night before. According to police, an iPad was reportedly stolen after gaining entry to the vehicle. Video from the school helped identify Wilkins.

Wilkins was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a final charging decision.