By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

An estimated $4,480 worth of tools were stolen from vehicles left unlocked outside Grand Oaks apartments in Hillsboro.

The suspect, seen on surveillance video, is the same man, but police have not yet identified him, Assistant Police Chief Randy Brazil said.

The first incident was reported Nov. 21 and could have taken place as early as Nov. 11, a police report says.

In that case, a hand-held pipeline locator and accessories, a reciprocating saw, and a flame-resistant coat, together valued at $2,500, were stolen from an unlocked vehicle owned by American Energies Pipeline of Canton. The vehicle was parked near the driver’s apartment.

The second burglary was known to have taken place between 5:25 and 5:30 a.m. Nov. 20. In that burglary, a rapid battery charger, two battery packs, an impact drill, an impact wrench, a drill and drive set, a hole saw, a circuit finder, two hex key sets, a cable bender, a bit holder, a tape measure, a flashlight, knee pads, a Bluetooth speaker, and miscellaneous pliers, screwdrivers and ratchets were taken.

The Elcon Services vehicle from which the tools were stolen also was parked near its driver’s apartment.

“That seems to be a common tactic now. They go to apartment complexes,” officer David Funk said. “If people don’t lock their vehicles and they find stuff, they take it and leave. I wish people would lock their doors.”

Brazil said the incidents were crimes of opportunity.

“Lock your cars,” he said.