A man has been arrested in the US for breaking into a house, stealing a car - and painting a dog.

Police in Massachusetts say at around 2.30pm on September 3rd, they responded to a report of a stolen motor vehicle that crashed at the end of a road with the suspect fleeing from the scene on foot.

Some 10 minutes later, officers received a report of a break-in.

Police met the victim, who said they arrived home and found a ground level window forced in.

Items were reported stolen and the victim's dog had also been painted with purple paint.

While a neighbour told police a man knocked on their door and asked for a man who did not live there.

The neighbour gave police a description of the man in question, noting that he looked "disheveled".

Officers then arrested a man, Felix Reagan, who was charged with breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, vandalism and minor in possession of alcohol.

A search of Reagan by police found prescription pills, a driver's license and credit cards that were stolen from the victim.

Reagan also had purple paint on his pants, which was consistent with the paint that was found on the dog.

During the investigation, officers received two additional reports of break-ins of residences in the area.

Oak Bluffs Police Department say he has also been charged with cruelty to animals, and that more charges may be filed.