Surveillance system helps stop La Sal burglary spree

A series of burglaries in the La Sal area have been solved, thanks to modern technology and the quick response of law enforcement officials.
Kenneth Luther Hampton, age 59 of the Moab area, was arrested at a cabin near Old La Sal on November 18. He faces a slew of charges related to at least seven burglaries in the area.
The break in the case came from a surveillance camera system set up in the cabin. The motion-activated camera notified the cabin owner via his cellular telephone and the internet as the break-in occurred.
A Utah Highway Patrol trooper and two Sheriff deputies responded to a call and arrived before the burglar could leave the cabin.
After a brief standoff, Hampton surrendered. He was carrying a 22-caliber pistol at the time of the arrest.
Officials state that Hampton admitted to six other break-ins of isolated home and cabins in the area. The burglaries resulted in several thousand dollars in stolen gas, food, tools and the 22-caliber pistol that was recovered during the arrest.
San Juan County Sheriff Rick Eldredge reports that Hampton faces at least six felony burglary charges, an aggravated burglary felony, a felony theft charge, and six misdemeanor theft charges.
Eldredge encourages area residents to consider a surveillance system. “It costs just a few hundred dollars to have a system like this,” said Eldredge, “and it can pay for itself quickly.”
Hampton is from Texas but has spent recent months in the Moab area.