By Craig Anderson

DOVER — An unknown suspect was sought after three business burglaries in quick succession early Monday, Dover police spokesman Sgt. Mark Hoffman said.

Officers responded to alarms at an Exxon station, a Jeweler’s Loupe location and a Valero store within approximately 30 minutes of each other, authorities said.

In the first reported incident, at the Exxon at 1710 N. Dupont Highway, officers arrived to find that a front glass door had been shattered by a large block. A trash can was used to steal approximately 167 packs of Newport cigarettes before the suspect fled, according to authorities. Police were notified of the alarm at 4:08 a.m.

Police then responded to an alarm at Jeweler’s Loupe at 1574 N. Dupont Highway. Arriving officers saw that the front windows to the business had been damaged and that a concrete block had been left behind, Sgt. Hoffman said, but the suspect was unable to enter the business.

Finally, officers were alerted to an alarm at the Valero at 1358 Forrest Ave. Again, a concrete block was used to shatter the glass front door, police said. A review of surveillance video showed the suspect using a trash can to steal approximately 70 packs of Newport cigarettes before fleeing, Sgt. Hoffman said.

The suspect was believed to be a male, wearing a blue or dark-colored jumpsuit, brown boots, gloves and a Corona ball cap.

Police asked anyone with information to call 736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or by visiting here; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.