A STANTHORPE business owner has come face-to-face with a burglar during a break-in enter, just one in a slew of offences in the past 10 days.

The owner of a High St business had arrived to work yesterday morning to find a man still inside the building.

The owner left the building to phone police, during which time the offender, having damaged the property, fled the scene and was unable to be relocated.

During investigations, police determined several tools left behind by the offender had been stolen from a building-site office in nearby Corundum St.

A third, unrelated break-and-enter was reported at Broadwater State School, where offenders caused obvious damage including smearing faeces and other rubbish around the school buildings, which was cleaned and removed by maintenance staff before pupils arrived for school later that morning.

These break-ins follow alleged break-ins at the Stanthorpe Rugby League Club, the second being the Stanthorpe Cricket / Soccer club at CF White Oval and the new premises of Elucid Technology in Rogers St, overnight on Monday and Tuesday, April 18 and 19.

Each premises was damaged upon entry and electrical and computer items were taken from the technology business, while select items were taken from the sporting clubs.

Police believe the same offenders are responsible for these initial break ins, and are seeking public assistance with ongoing investigations into the six incidents.

Police are urging contact by anyone, anytime, who has anything suspicious to report directly to the local Stanthorpe Police Station on 4681 6400, Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.