Police are warning motorists to avoid parking near construction sites where there is a lot of activity to prevent their vehicles from being broken into or stolen by thieves.

Officers say there is a large amount of building and home construction taking place in our community these days and workers often park their cars nearby and can be on the job for hours with their vehicles unattended.

The warning stems from a series of break and entries to vehicles parked at construction sites in Oakville and Milton.

Police said eight vehicles were broken into and items stolen from May 21 to June 16 as their owners were working.

Police said among the items stolen were credit cards, cash, tools and other valuables.

Officers of Halton Regional Police are warning motorists to always lock their doors, roll up their windows and remove all valuables from their car.

One suspect has been arrested by police so far in an ongoing investigation into the thefts.

Lance Zambose, 46, of Burlington, was arrested on June 18 and charged with eight counts of theft under $5,000, four counts of fraudulent use of credit cards, fail to comply with probation and possession of property obtained by crime and driving dangerous.

He is being held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Halton Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Police from 22 Division in an online post said the top vehicles being stolen in the community includes: Honda Civic, Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Altima and the Ford F-150 pick up truck.

Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.