ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – St. Louis police say a single arrest appears to have solved a rash of south city home break-ins.

Investigators say 26 year-old suspect Allen Perfater faces 18 charges for burglary and theft for his crime spree in late June. Perfater targeted a dozen-and-a-half homes within a 2-mile radius.

His motive was to break into garages and steal anything of value.

Police say he scored big at one home when he found brand new appliances still in the box, which had just been purchased for a home remodeling job.

Homes on Miami Street, Childress, Pernod and Nagel were among those struck between late June and earlier this month.

No word on what led police to Perfater, but it appears he was working alone.

Many of the stolen items have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

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