CONCORD - Police are asking for the public's help to catch a thief who entered a half-dozen homes in West Concord overnight Friday and, as the residents slept, made off with their purses, wallets and electronic devices.

Investigators said in one instance a resident, hearing an unusual noise, encountered a man entering his home through a porch door. The intruder was wearing a dim headlamp and immediately fled without taking anything.

Police said the break-ins occurred between 10 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday on the following streets: Bradley, Church, Lyndon, Columbus and Little Pond. Two homes were entered on Church Street.

The thief cut screens at several locations in order to open windows and doors. At several scenes, he made off with purses or wallets, dumping their contents outside but keeping the cash. He also stole electronic devices including an iPad 2 and a scientific (graphing) calculator. He used yard tools, including rakes and brooms, to push open doors or windows.

Investigators collected evidence from the crime scenes including a tan baseball hat with the letters "CC" and the words "Cape Cod" on it, which police believe the burglar left behind.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Concord Regional Crimeline at 226-3100 or submit information online to the website at: www.concordregionalcrimeline.com, or Txt TIP234 and their message to CRIMES (274637). Crimeline awards cash to anyone whose information leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals. All tips remain anonymous.