WEIHAI -- Police have arrested a man in connection with the rapes of 17 women and 24 burglaries in east China's Shandong Province.

Cheng Yehua, 24, who was arrested on Friday, has been referred for prosecution on charges relating to the crime spree that covered three villages in Manshan Township, Wendeng city, from August 13, 2006, to June 15 this year.

A officer surnamed Ma, in charge of publicity with Wendeng City Security Bureau, said most of the victims were migrant workers with local enterprises on Manshan Township, which is home to many businesses that have received investment from the Republic of Korea (ROK).

The victims said their attacker struck between 9:00 am and 10:00 am, carrying a knife and wearing a surgical mask, when the young women were sleeping in rented homes after finishing night shifts.

Local police started hunting for a single attacker from June 7. On June 15, a woman was raped in broad daylight at her home and the attacker stole 700 yuan.

From June 18, police intensified patrols in the three villages, assigning 42 security personnel.

Cheng, who was married about six months ago and whose wife is five month pregnant, was spotted and stopped by patrol police on June 19. He was allegedly carrying a knife and white surgical mask at the time.

During interrogation, Cheng allegedly said he could not control his desire after he successfully committed the first of the 24 crimes last year.