POLICE have arrested a Malaysian man who is believed to be involved in a dozen break-ins at provision shops, coffeeshops and eating houses in Toa Payoh and Bedok estates.

The 21-year-old suspect was nabbed on Tuesday at about 3.45 am in a coffee shop at Block 20, Lorong 7 Toa Payoh.

Police officers, patrolling the area, heard noises coming from the coffee shop. On checking, they found that one of the rear window louvers had been removed.

When the coffee shop owner arrived, the officers went into the premises to check and found several stalls had been ransacked.

Continuing their search, they caught the suspect hiding in the male toilet.

Cash amounting to about $208 were recovered, along with a metal rod, can opener and a screw driver, from the suspect.

Police said since February, a spate of break-ins to neighbourhood shops in Toa Payoh and Bedok had been reported. In most of the cases, the window glass panels or louvers were removed and drawers forced open.

Tanglin Police Division set up a task force to track down the housebreaker and their efforts paid off after two weeks of ambushes and patrols.