Stratford burglary photos released

P.E.I. RCMP have released pictures of a person they believe is involved in a number of break and enters in the Stratford area.

• Stratford residents asked to be vigilant following break and enters

The photos were captured by a home security system using a night vision camera.

"We are putting this out at this point because we feel that maybe somebody in the public can recognize the articles of clothing, the profile," said RCMP Sgt. Leanne Butler.

Butler said the night vision camera reverses the appearance of colours. The clothing worn by the suspect in the photos is dark, not light as it appears.

RCMP have been warning local residents about the burglaries since the spring, and two more incidents were reported over the holidays in the Stratford area. Similar incidents have been reported in Charlottetown and Cornwall.

RCMP and Charlottetown police have formed a task force to tackle the burglaries, which are characterized by screens being cut out of windows, sometimes on the upper storeys of homes.

In one of the recent incidents, the burglar was scared off by the homeowner, but the incident wasn't reported for several days.

Police are urging residents to report anything suspicious immediately because evidence can be lostquickly in winter conditions.

"If it is 11 o'clock at night and you hear something and you think it's strange and you find that your screen is cut, don't wait till the next morning. Please call us right away," said Butler.

RCMP are asking residents to report any suspicious activity, including footprints that seem out of place, cut screens on windows, missing items and suspicious cars, people, or activities.