BEIJING - Police have arrested a man thought to be behind the theft of goods worth 1.6 million yuan ($253,760) from Beijing luxury houses in 20 burglaries since 2010.

The 31-year-old male suspect, surnamed Yang, was arrested early morning of April 2, announced the Daxing branch of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau on Wednesday.

The apprehension of the man, who has made a confession, came several hours after he ran away from a crime scene in the city's Daxing district, leaving behind a BMW car which had been used as a getaway vehicle in his other burglaries, said police.

A one-time carpenter, Yang utilized his woodwork skills to open the windows or doors of luxury homes.

He bought the second-hand BMW with the proceeds from the burglaries and drove it while casing exclusive districts of Beijing for more targets.

"I don't lack money, but have pursued this for excitement. I wasn't able to stop myself before the arrest," said Yang in his confession.

The case is under further investigation.