SALEM — Police are hoping a stolen credit card used at a Hess gas station will help them identify two men who may have committed five residential burglaries within the last week.

The latest break-in happened on Tuesday at a home on Elizabeth Lane where roughly $1,500 in jewelry and a 9 mm handgun were stolen.

The resident came home around 5:40 p.m. and found a window in the rear of the house smashed. Police tried to track a suspect using a police dog but were unable to find anyone. Detectives processed the home for evidence.

Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten said the department is investigating five burglaries that occurred across town over the last 8 days. Police believe the burglaries may be connected.

Homes were broken into on Zion Hill Road, Sylvan Drive, Hazelwood and Elizabeth Lane, police said.

A home on Zion Hill Road was broken into on Monday, and the thief or thieves took a credit card, police said. The suspects then went to a nearby Hess gas station and filled up their vehicle using the stolen credit card, police said.

The card was also used to buy about $1,000 worth of jewelry at the Mall at Rockingham Park, police said.

The vehicle used in the break-ins appears to be a beige or tan Lincoln LS.

Police obtained a surveillance photo of an accomplice who they say was seen with another man suspected of using the credit card and later looking at jewelry.

One of the men possibly walks with a limp, according to police.

Police are asking anyone with information on the case to contact Salem police at 893-1911 or Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at 893-6600.

jkimble@newstote.com