All 13 burglaries took place near each other, in Ascot Vale, Strathmore and Moonee Ponds.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged as a co-offender for three of the 13 burglaries.

Items including jewellery and laptops valued into the tens of thousands of dollars have been recovered from the arrested pair.

Detective Senior Constable Daniel Jacuta, of Moonee Ponds police, said he believed the burglaries took place during the day when homes were vacant.

He said it took good investigative work to track down the suspects.

"Without being too specific, we caught them in the area the crimes were being committed.

"It's important residents take note to make sure they have adequate security at their homes and if they see people they don't know hanging around their neighbourhood they should call the police."

The 15-year-old has been bailed to appear in a children's court and the 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody to face the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court at the end of next month.