ACT Policing said officers found the 35-year-old Scullin man hiding in a service area of an apartment complex on Gungahlin Place after a member of the public reported suspicious behaviour about 11.15pm.

The man was found with tools and items suspected to be stolen.

He was taken to Gungahlin Police Station and later charged with trespassing, going equipped for theft, possessing stolen property, providing a false name and attempting to escape custody.

The man will face the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Gungahlin acting station sergeant Chris Bird praised the actions of the member of the public who called police.

"This person did the right thing – they saw something that looked suspicious and they called the police," he said.

"Often people will assume that someone else will do something, but this person took it upon themselves to take action.

"If you see someone who looks suspicious, loitering near cars or looking into vehicles, someone you don't usually see in your complex, then call the police."

Sergeant Bird urged Canberrans to report car break-ins to police on 131 444, even if the car was unlocked or nothing was stolen.

Police have urged anyone who may have seen the incident in Gungahlin to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via act.crimestoppers.com.au

Information can be provided anonymously.