The five burglaries happened between December 30 and January 20 where the offender has forced entry and cause substantial damage.

The five incidents took place on December 30 about 2.40am in Napier Street, Epsom; January 7 about 2.10am in McIvor Road, East Bendigo; January 14 about 12.45am in California Gully; January 18 about 2.15am in Marong Road, Golden Square; and January 20 about 2.20am in McIvor Road, East Bendigo.

On three of the five occasions, the offender has been able to steal cigarettes. The values of the items taken totals in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The offender has twice been stalled - once by a security system and once by not being able to access the cigarettes.

"One the first occasion, one of premises had a security system that, when activated, produces a significant quantity of smoke," Bendigo Police Senior Constable Damien McIntosh said "Once that happened he turned around and exited the business.

"On the second occasion, he wasn't able to access the cigarettes."

Police believe the offender is Caucasian with a solid build and short balding hair.

Senior Constable McIntosh said detectives believed the same male was responsible for each of the burglaries.

"On each occasion it appears it is the same male. He is on his own each time," Senior Constable McIntosh said.

"Each time the offender has force entry through front door with physical force. It's estimated (the items he took) are worth tens of thousand of dollars in value as well as (the cost of) damage to businesses."

Senior Constable McIntosh said the losses were unfair for the businesses.

"They miss out on that day's trade in the morning as well as the damage to businesses and the quantity of stock taken," he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au