Police probe 12 prowler reports in Westdale, increase patrols

Hamilton police are now probing 12 different reports of a Westdale prowler sneaking into unlocked homes and bedrooms, trespassing in backyards or peering in windows.

The string of similar incidents — the latest a home intruder reported early Friday — date back to late July, with the most serious being two different women who woke up to find a stranger in their rooms. In one case, a woman was sexually assaulted.

Acting Insp. Frank Miscione warned Friday investigators have not yet confirmed a link between any of the alleged crimes and it remains possible “multiple suspects” are involved. So far, suspect descriptions are “vague at best,” but police are examining security footage offered by home and business owners.

Miscione emphasized police are beefing up patrols and coordinating with security at nearby McMaster University in recognition of growing resident concerns. The university is also alerting students about the incidents and offering information about campus security, its sexual violence response protocol and Student Walk Home Attendant Team.

“Their concern is their safety,” said Miscione. “We have had some feedback and we’ve been responding to that, and our visibility in the area is certainly making a difference for them.”

Miscione said a priority for police at the moment is ensuring residents keep their doors and windows locked at night. At least three intruders have entered homes in the area through unlocked doors or windows in the last month, including the latest incident Friday.

In that case, police said they were called to Cline Avenue North around 1 a.m. after a woman reported being awoken by creaking stairs to see a man silhouetted in the doorway of her second-storey bedroom.

The intruder quickly left. He was described as a thin white male, about five feet eight inches tall, wearing dark clothes.

About half an hour later, two women on Paisley Avenue South reported seeing a man with an “unkempt beard” peering through the front window of their rented home. He could be between 25 and 30 years old.

Another Cline Avenue resident also reported hearing a knock at her window late Thursday night, but did not look outside. There were no signs of forced entry.

Police urge residents who see suspicious activity to call 905-5464861 or on campus McMaster security dispatch at 905-525-9140. If there is a crime in progress, call 911.