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| A September 2009 police sketch of the "sleep watcher." |
A recent incident of the so-called “sleep watcher” serves to remind residents to double check that their doors and windows are locked at night.
Over the past two years, a male intruder has been targeting young women who live near the university. He has been entering their homes and watching them as they sleep.
The latest case occurred on Saturday, June 26 at 6:30 a.m. A 20-year-old woman was asleep on the sofa and awoke to discover a strange man touching her. He fled out the back door.
He is described as being a white man, about 5’ 10”, with a thin build and straight black hair.
The incident occurred in the 1500 block of Chestnut Street. Since 2008, numerous similar incidents have taken place in the neighbourhoods near Dalhousie and bordered by Coburg, Oxford, Quinpool and Robie streets.
“Entry was gained through an unlocked door. In all cases, there has been no forced entry,” says Constable Brian Palmeter, public information officer for the Halifax Regional Police. “So, locking your doors is a great first step. You’ve got to be vigilant about keeping doors locked and easily accessible windows secured.”
After a spate of reports last fall, there has been only one other reported occurrence this year. It happened in a house in the early hours of May 5 on Edinburgh Street in Halifax. The home is located further north and was occupied by a family as opposed to students. But the circumstances of the incident and the description of the intruder were similar, says Const. Palmeter, and it was assigned to the same police investigator.
He adds that police have received a number of tips from the public and are pursuing them. However, they have not been able to identify a suspect. Anyone who has information about the latest incident, or any of the other similar incidents, are asked to contact Halifax Regional Police (490-5016), Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477), or Dalhousie Security (494-6400).