A suspected serial burglar who treated “For Sale’” signs as welcome mats is behind bars — finally.

Butler police early this morning caught David Morrow, 31, of Slippery Rock in the act of yet another alleged break-in.

Officers said they nabbed Morrow at a Walker Avenue duplex after a failed pre-dawn rooftop escape.

“He admitted to at least 15 burglaries in the city,” said Lt. James Hollobaugh.

However, Morrow is suspected in “numerous” other burglaries in Butler Township and across Butler County, city police said.

Authorities believe Morrow is behind a rash of break-ins that specifically targeted homes that appeared to be vacant. He apparently wasn’t looking for money or electronics or guns — just copper.

“He told us he would go driving around looking for ‘For Sale’ signs,” Hollobaugh said.

Morrow figured homes up for sale would be empty and suited for his purpose of stripping them of copper piping and wiring, authorities said.

“He was selling the copper for scrap,” Hollobaugh noted.

Butler police say Morrow faces charges stemming from this morning’s burglary but more cases will be filed as early as today.

Other departments are eager to talk with him about unsolved burglaries in their jurisdictions.

Morrow’s capture came after a frightened elderly woman called 911 about 4:25 a.m. today to report someone was in her basement. The woman lives on the first floor of the Walker Avenue duplex.

Officers got there and noticed fresh footprints in the snow around the home. They sent their K-9 officer into the basement but no one was found.

A short time later, police spotted a second-floor window open and a man proceed onto the roof. The duplex’s second floor apartment is vacant.

Hollobaugh and Officer Nathan Shulik forced their way upstairs and eventually convinced Morrow to stop. They yanked him back inside and after a brief struggle handcuffed him.

A search of the second floor turned up copper piping in the hallway. The pipes belonged to the baseboard heating system.

City police, who were assisted by Butler Township police, also found Morrow’s tools, which he had in a duffel bag. They included side cutters, pruning shears, a hack saw, pry bar and tube cutters.

Police said out front of the duplex they found Morrow’s girlfriend hiding under a blanket in a car. They did not immediately interview the 30-year-old woman and did not know what role, if any, she played in the alleged crime.

Hollobaugh described Morrow as “very cooperative” with police. He confessed to burglary after burglary from a list of unsolved break-ins police showed him, investigators said.

Police believe those burglaries at vacant homes date back to November.

Butler Township police Lt. Matthew Pearson this morning confirmed Morrow is a suspect in burglaries that share a similar modus operandi. At least 10 vacant homes for sale in the township were burglarized since last fall.

“Those cases are under investigation,” Pearson said, “and he’s being looked at.”

Pearson said a department detective planned to interview Morrow today.

As of 10 a.m., Morrow remained in police custody and was expected to be arraigned on unspecified charges this afternoon.