to breathe a sigh of relief as the man believed to be behind many of the raids is in Police custody.

The Royal Gazette understands the suspect may be responsible for up to 76 city break-ins.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Browne said a 42-year-old Warwick man was arrested two weeks ago in connection with a "substantial number'' of break-ins in Hamilton. But she would not disclose the exact number.

The alleged thief is due to appear in Magistrates' Court next week, she said.

Since September, Police have been reporting break-ins in Hamilton every week.

On the night of the November 11 Remembrance Day holiday, six offices on Pitts Bay Road were broken into and cash stolen.

The slew of break-ins prompted Police to issue a warning to businessmen and women last month to lock up and secure their stores or offices.