Two men were arrested last week for multiple break-ins and newspaper rack thefts in Davie County.

A meth lab was also busted, said Davie Sheriff’s Chief J.D. Hartman.

From June to mid-August, investigators had what Hartman called a rash of breaking and enterings into houses under construction. Most thefts were appliances and other large items.

During the last month, there has been a rash of newspaper rack thefts, Hartman said.

A video of the site of one of the thefts led investigators to identify Joseph Reid, 25, of Dance Hall Road, Mocksville.

About that same time, narcotics investigators learned of a meth lab at the Reid residence, and Davie Social Services had received a call about child endangerment, Hartman said.

When social workers went to check on the children on Sept. 7, they were accompanied by sheriff’s investigators, who found evidence that meth had been made, Hartman said.

Two children, ages 5 and 6, were taken from the home and released into the custody of grandparents. Drug charges against  those in the home are pending, Hartman said.

The NC SBI clandestine drug lab team was called to secure the scene.

While talking to those inside the home, Hartman said investigators learned that Reid was involved in break-ins. That information led to the arrest of Reid and Jimmy Russell, 43, of Howardtown Road, Advance.

Both face multiple counts of breaking, entering and larceny and conspiracy. Reid was taken into custody in lieu of a $35,000 bond, Russell a $50,000 bond.