RCMP believe whoever stole a Volkswagen Rabbit from Sun Rivers left behind a clue to his identity when they dumped the vehicle three kilometres up East Shuswap Road.

“An item of theirs was left in the vehicle and police are now following up with that lead,” Staff Sgt. Doug Aird said Wednesday.

He wasn’t in a position to say what the item is, citing an ongoing investigation. Aird said police are looking at a number of possible suspects who are among the city’s prolific offenders.

The culprit parked the grey 2009 Rabbit on Tuesday — a week after it was reported stolen from 1050 Talasa Crt. and at least 10 vehicles were broken into.

Side windows were smashed and loose change, sunglasses, USB cables, a laptop, iPods and personal documents were taken when someone got into a secured underground garage.

The suspect was captured on security camera and his picture posted to Crime Stoppers. Aird said the image shows the culprit unmasked and another of him with his face hidden.

Aird said police have received two to three tips through Crime Stoppers since the picture was posted.

As for the Volkswagen, Aird said the car had 1,200 km put on it during the last week.

“He’d taken lots of short trips or one long one,” he said, adding it’s not unusual for thieves to steal a vehicle and use it in such a way.

He said it’s likely the thief caught a ride back to town or had a vehicle waiting for him on East Shuswap.

No further break-ins have been reported at Talasa.  Police believe whoever is responsible was also behind similar break-ins at Sun Rivers last spring.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.