An alert citizen’s phone call led to the recovery of stolen items and at least one arrest in a series of thefts in the Harbour View area this week.

The caller told police he had seen three males running across the road near Waters Edge Lane in the 8000 block of Harbour View Boulevard about 3:39 a.m. on Thursday, according to a city press release.

The caller reported the subjects appeared to jump into a ditch when he passed them, according to a police report.

Responding officers searched the area and found the three individuals, at which point they “took off into the woods,” according to the report.

Officers pursued and located the subjects. A backpack they were carrying contained CDs, DVDs, jewelry, electronics and cash, which matched items later found to be taken from unlocked vehicles in the area.

One of the trio, a male juvenile, was arrested and booked into the Tidewater Detention Home. Two additional suspects were interviewed. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges will follow, according to the city press release.

The police department reminds citizens to lock their vehicles and to keep valuables out of plain view.

“Further, if you see suspicious activity, contact police,” the press release stated. “Due to the quick actions of a citizen, several thefts were solved and stolen items can be returned to their rightful owners.”