Franklin Hardware in Woodland Hills was one of more than 40 Valley businesses struck by a commercial burglar dubbed “The Ghost” by authorities.

“It’s violating,” said Michael Kurzeka, co-owner of Franklin Hardware, who found the door smashed in. “Imagine if your home had been broken into. It’s my family’s business and we’ve had it for 65 years.”

“It’s not the $600 or whatever,” he added. “I don’t care. It’s the principal.”

Los Angeles Police Department officials say the prolific burglar has broken into more than 40 closed businesses in the west San Fernando Valley since mid-July of this year.

The LAPD made the announcement of their spectral suspect on Wednesday after detectives linked the man to crimes through surveillance videos.

“Until this week, we had no idea what the Ghost looked like, other than he was hooded and gloved,” Lt. Paul Weber, commanding officer of the Topanga Detective Division said in a statement. Weber described the suspect as an Asian male in his twenties.

Detectives report the burglar hides at the sight of any passing car lights and has hidden for as long as 30 minutes before smashing a window or door to get into a business.

All the businesses hit have been along Ventura or Topanga Canyon boulevards as far north as Sherman Way, authorities said. Franklin’s Hardware, which opened in 1952, is located on the 21900 block of Ventura Boulevard.

Help catch the "Ghost" burglar. We're out of tricks, and he's no treat! #LAPD https://t.co/2O3QxieuAj — LAPD Topanga Div. (@LAPDTopanga) October 18, 2017

Kurzeka said the Oct. 4 break-in, which occurred between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m., cost his store nearly $1,000 in repairs. In addition to the $600, “The Ghost” also made off with a garbage disposal.

Kurezeka said he’s installed additional security since the burglary, including more motion and glass break sensors.The business was also burglarized in July, the co-owner said, but he wasn’t sure if the same person was involved.

He said nearby businesses have also been struck, including ice cream and pizza shops, and a barbershop.

Police have “attacked” the crime spree in several ways, authorities said, including educating local business owners; posting no-cash-on premises signs on business doors; conducting stakeouts; using undercover officers; placing decoy cars and detaining burglar parolees.

“Hopefully they get him,” Kurzeka said. “I’m glad they’re taking it seriously.”

Kurzeka said he would advise business owners to leave certain items unlocked that don’t need to be locked, such as a cash register with change.

“If they’re going to break your cash register to get $10 of quarters, you’ve lost $10 and $200 to replace the new register,” Kurzeka said. “And make sure your security system is up to date.”

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Detective Amber Kim, Topanga Detective Division, at 818-756-5844. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.