A serial burglar in Jackson County was put behind bars Thursday. But, as the thief got locked up, the motive for the crime remained on the streets.

Sheriff's Investigators told us Alain Adan had been breaking into homes the Alford area for more than a month.They said he passed up TV's and computers, items that would've interested most burglars. Instead, Adan was allegedly looking for just one thing- metal.

Charlotte Sanders spent part of Monday sifting through a tangled ball of gold jewelry. She was hoping to find some of her own. "They took things that can never be replaced" Sanders said. "They took my mothers wedding band that she gave me."

Sanders was returning home from an out-of-town trip when she realized she'd been broken into.

"Immediately I got mad and I stepped in and I said, 'if there's anyone other than me in here, who can hear my voice, make your presence known'. Then, I realized what I'd done and thought, 'what am I going to do if someone comes around the corner'" Sanders explained.

Thursday, Jackson County Sheriffs officers arrested 28 year old, Alain Adan in connection with the string of burglaries that had been plaguing the Alford community for weeks.

Investigative Lieutenant Virgil Watson told us, "I know of four burglaries, but I'm sure there will be more."

Watson also said, people like Sanders are as much a victim of burglary as they are of the times. The price of gold and metal has risen higher and faster than jobs. Watson told us these factors may increases a burglar's incentive to commit the crime.

"I think we're having a higher burglary rate because the price of metal, the price of gold, copper- is going up. Everything is really high at this time" Watson said.

American Gold Parties opened just three months ago on Highway 90 in Marianna. Manager, Jessica Smith told us, the police had already visited twice looking for stolen jewelry.

"For businesses there's nothing we can do" Smith said, "but follow the proper procedures that's set up by the state."

Procedures include a through ID check, fingerprinting, and holding onto items for 14 days before sending them to be melted down. It's a quick process for a thief, who comes in with stolen gold and leaves with fast cash.

Sanders said she felt blessed to have had so many of her items returned. She was, however, still looking for her mothers wedding band. Officials said they expected to find more items as the investigation continued.