SCRIPPS RANCH,Calif. -- Authorities announced a $1,000 reward Thursday for information leading to the capture of a brazen burglar who has looted at least seven occupied Scripps Ranch homes in recent weeks.

The crimes in the northern San Diego community have been occurring since the first week of October, according to police.

The thief, a gray-haired white man who appears to be in his late 40s, has sneaked into his victims' houses between midnight and 5 a.m., gaining entry through unlocked doors. He steals wallets, purses, watches, cell phones, laptop computers and other small electronic devices.

In the most recent case, images of the crook were captured by a surveillance camera as he used a stolen credit card at a convenience store near the scene of the burglary, police said.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the bandit was asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers, which is offering the cash reward.

The nonprofit agency's anonymous tip service can be reached at (888) 580- 8477. Callers may remain anonymous.