The arrest of a 22-year-old man in Alachua County last Thursday in connection with a burglary in Union County in early this month led investigators to recover a large amount of merchandise believed to be stolen in other area burglaries.

Shane Summers was arrested, and deputies are trying to connect him to those burglaries in northern Alachua County, as well as Columbia, Union and Bradford counties.

Deputies said Summers was driving a green 1999 Ford SUV and was often accompanied by a woman. Deputies believe the two would tell residents they were looking for a lost puppy in the area.

Many of the items recovered are being linked to reported burglaries, but there are items that are believed to be stolen that have yet to be connected to existing reports, deputies said.

Detectives are asking the public to report any suspicious activity they may have seen involving Summers, as well as any burglaries or thefts that may have gone unreported.

Some of the recovered items are unique and should be identifiable by the victims, such as military uniform memorabilia, silver spoons and heavy brass fixtures, deputies said.

A pin map shows where the recent burglaries occurred. Anyone with any information about the thefts or who would like to report a previously unreported burglary in the area is asked to call Detective Steve Yakel at 352-384-3320 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP.