Arlington County police have released surveillance pictures in hopes of tracking down a thief who sneaks into offices and steals laptops, cell phones and other items during the workday.

"It really doesn't surprise me. People leaves their laptops all over the place. I'm just as guilty as anyone," said laptop owner Mark Weiser.

The photos date from a July 1 robbery. Investigators say the man in the photos is a suspect in the thefts. According to police, the man follows workers in to offices. He then steals easily accessible items.

Detectives say if the thief is confronted, he claims to work in the IT department. The burglar is also known to carry a binder with him, police said."There's nothing suspicious about him carrying around 4 or 5 laptops if he acts like he belongs there," said Detective Crystal Nosal, Arlington County Police.

Rycourt Freeman, an information technology manager, said he is thinking about purchasing locks so workers in his officer can secure their laptops. "With this lock, it looks like a bicycle lock, you run through your laptop at the back and it locks down the laptop to the docking station."

Another laptop owner, Carly Watkins, is keeping her computer in close reach and checking for identification if someone wants to take it. "I guess it you're dressed appropriately, no one's gonna question you and you can catch a quick buck on someone's computer or get some secret information."

Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or has information about this case, is asked to call Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).

Arlington County Police Surveillance Photos