Police have charged an 18-year-old male with more than 30 offences following the crime spree across Ballarat at the weekend.

A group of investigators from the Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit and Divisional Response Unit worked around the clock to quickly locate and charge the offender.

A warrant was executed at the man's address on Monday, with stolen property linked to the thefts and burglaries completed during several hours on Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning located.

A stolen firearm was also recovered.

Investigators have charged the 18-year-old with 37 dishonesty offences, including burglary, deception and theft.

Detective Sergeant Paul Allen said a recent restructure, bringing investigators into the same building, meant investigators could move more quickly and dynamically to resolve crimes.

The male will face the Ballarat Magistrates' Court today.

EARLIER:

Pieces of shattered glass and belongings strewn across a driveway, a car with two windows smashed in and a water-damaged interior.

This was the sight Rose Sedgwick and her mother faced when they stepped out of their front door to drive to a church service on Sunday morning.

Ms Sedgwick was one of dozens of Ballarat residents who were left with big repair bills after a spree of theft and burglary offences were committed across the city at the weekend.

Snapped scissor blades were jammed into the passenger side door of Ms Sedgwick's car, leading her and her husband, Joshua, to conclude the decision to smash in the windows came after the offenders could not force open the door.

Ms Sedgwick has been left isolated and without a car until it is fixed and, despite insurance, is also out of pocket. She must pay hundreds of dollars in excess to fix the damage.

While the offender or offenders did not take off with any items of significant value, some documents and a handbag of sentimental value were taken.

Aside from the uneasiness and feeling of violation that someone walked onto their property and up their driveway to access the car while they were sleeping inside the house, it is the most recent in a series of devastating events for Ms Sedgwick.

In addition to the crime, the past six weeks have been tumultuous for her: she has lost two close family members.

First she lost her grandfather, before she and her husband moved in with her parents to help while her father battled through a period of illness.

Sadly, he also died.

Being the victim of such a senseless crime has left Ms Sedgewick feeling a variety of emotions.

"Words can't describe how frustrated, angry and sad I am that this has happened," she said.

She said she just "wanted to know why" the offender or offenders chose to do what they had.

Mr Sedgewick acknowledged there could be desperation driving offenders to break into cars, but said there were other options - such as support services.

He urged anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious or who has CCTV footage from Saturday night to contact police.

At least one other car was broken into in their street that night.

According to police, there was a spree of theft and burglary offences across the Ballarat area on Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Up to 30 cars were broken into, including six in the one car park on Enterprise Grove in Mount Helen.

A blue Holden Commodore sedan was stolen from that car park, while an aggravated burglary was also committed nearby.

Inspector Bob Heaney said while the majority of the cars targeted were locked, some were not and made them an easier target.

Inspector Heaney reminded people to lock cars and to be mindful of not leaving any valuables - such as laptops, phones or wallets - visible in cars.

The Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating.

On Monday afternoon police took an 18-year-old male into custody.

He was interviewed throughout the afternoon, but no charges were laid by the time this newspaper went to print.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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