Police have arrested a man in connection with a series of burglaries over the past week.

Derek Shearer was arrested Tuesday night as police said he was breaking into an auto parts store in the 100 block of West Main Street in Fleetwood, Berks Co.

After his arrest, police said they searched Shearer's home and recovered stolen merchandise worth more than $1,300.

The merchandise included items such as cigarettes, auto parts, a knife, a laptop computer and computer equipment.

Shearer has been tied to five other burglaries in the borough over the past week, said police, who are continuing their investigation.

Police remind residents and business owners to be diligent about securing valuables and cash by making sure they're out of sight.

Business owners are also urged to consider the value of secure locks and either alarm or surveillance systems.

In two instances, burglars were either denied entrance or the would-be burglar was scared off by a strong door and a loud alarm, police said.