An rash of alleged break-ins in southeast Burlington has prompted Halton police to issue a series of tips to prevent residents from falling victim to thieves.

The break-ins, according to police, occurred between 6:30 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday, when at least six residential garages were entered. Bicycles and other items were reported stolen.

Police believe a lone male suspect is responsible for the break-ins, which also include entries to a number of unlocked vehicles in the area they say spans the 5000 block of Lakeshore Road, east of Appleby Line.

“The (alleged) suspect was captured on video at several homes and police are asking for the assistance from the public to help identify him,” said police in a release.

The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s, 5-foot-7 to six feet tall. He wore a toque, light winter coat with a checker pattern and running shoes.

Anyone with information about these alleged residential and vehicle entries is asked to call Det. Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext. 2312. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting ‘Tip201’ with a message to 274637 (CRIMES).

Residents are urged to report activity they deem suspicious to police. They should also make sure never to leave personal identification or valuable items in their vehicle — including the vehicle’s spare key. Vehicles should be locked and secured, and parked in a well-lit area whenever possible.

If valuable items are kept in the vehicle, they should be locked in the trunk.

“Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages or purses in plain view or on the seat,” said police, who suggested that garage door openers, GPS units, cellphones and power cords be hidden from view when vehicles are left unattended.