Police hunt repeat prowler

Newport Beach Police are on the hunt for a prowler who has hit 12 homes in one neighborhood since November 2006, police said.

A number of residents in the Newport Crest town home community have reported the trespasser entering their homes, five of which occurred between Dec. 15 and Jan. 1, authorities said.

Police have passed out and posted brightly colored fliers, including a sketch and description of the suspect to warn residents.

The prowler has found his way into homes on Mojo, Kialoa, Escapade, Encore, Ima Loa, Aries and Robon courts in the community just off Superior Avenue and West Coast Highway, police said.

Most of the victims reported waking up to see a man standing over them, police wrote in a flier to Newport Crest residents.

When confronted by victims the trespasser left “calmly without saying anything,” according to the flier.

Also, many of the victims reported that on the night of the break-in, they had visited local restaurants or bars earlier in the evening.

Victims described the prowler as a white man in his mid-20s. He is clean-shaven, 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, has an average build, a round face and short, spiked brown hair, according to police.

Some witnesses said he wore a long-sleeved shirt and dark pants.

In the more recent reports, victims told police the suspect was wearing a black cardigan sweater, blue jeans and dark shoes, police said.

Police are actively seeking out the prowler but have been unable to identify a suspect.

Investigators have urged residents of the Newport Crest complex to keep their doors and windows locked at night and when away from home, police said.

Contact Det. Pat Olson at (949) 644-3618 to report any information on the prowler.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].