Rush on home security systems following frightening unsolved Geelong ‘night stalker’ series

North Geelong residents have moved to improve home security in the wake of an unsolved prowling series plaguing their suburbs, with installation of CCTV systems sky rocketing.

North Geelong residents have moved to improve home security in the wake of a frightening unsolved prowling series plaguing their suburbs, with installation of CCTV systems on the rise.

Several companies have reported a “definite spike” in inquiries about camera and alarm systems since the emergence of a “stranger in the night” targeting Rippleside, Bell Post Hill and Highton homes.

It comes as police revealed details of one frightening occasion the man - dubbed the night stalker by residents - gained access to a Bell Post Hill home on Wednesday, February 1.

Victoria Police have issued a plea for for anyone who can identify this man to come forward.

They allege he forced entry into the Dave Ave property shortly before 3am while the family was at home asleep.

Geelong Digital Security owner David Woodhouse said demand for his services had ballooned across the northern suburbs since the serial prowling became public.

“Anytime there is a story like this, and an ongoing series of events, people tend to stop and think about improving the security of their home,” he said.

“And we have definitely seen an increase over the past month.”

Robyn Eastwood, from North Geelong-based Pro Alarms, said requests for home security quotes had risen in February.

The first reported alleged offence began on January 29.

“There has been a definite spike of people going down that path and securing their homes,” he said.

Security footage at a Bell Post Hill home captures a man attempting to gain access to their home.

“It can be very helpful for peace of mind and in police investigations.”

Mr Eastwood said criminals such as the alleged offender, who has been captured on CCTV footage wearing a face mask and gloves, found it easier to disguise themselves by wearing “normal” personal protective equipment.

“A lot of these criminals are still Covid safe,” he said.

“They are still wearing face masks and hoodies, and that is completely normal as there are still people doing that in everyday life.

“It certainly helps people who want to commit crime.”

Mr Woodhouse said installing cameras as a home security measure, although useful, was an “after the event” solution.

Security camera installers have noticed an increase in demand following a number of attempted break ins to properties across North Geelong, Pictured is a man wanted for questioning over this incident at a Bell Post Hill.

“For people at home at 2am with someone trying to break in, CCTV is not going to stop that from occurring,” he said.

“It can certainly offer peace of mind, but an alarm system is more effective if the house is penetrated by an intruder.”

Meanwhile Rippleside residents have reported seeing nightly police patrols by officers on foot with flashlights over the past week.

One resident, who preferred not to be named, said there was an eerie sense of anticipation of when the offender might strike again.

“It’s like people are just waiting for this stranger in the night to appear,” she said.

“There has been flashlights down streets at 1am in the morning.”

The man has been respoted entering a number of homes across at least four Geelong suburbs.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman would not elaborate on any operation, but confirmed an active investigation was underway.

“Victoria Police is well-equipped, trained and resourced to respond to safety concerns in the community,” she said.

A Crime Stoppers episode was beamed across the state las week, with police saying the man is wanted for a number of alleged aggravated burglary and attempted burglaries.

His behaviour has been described as “unusual” by investigators.

He is described as caucasian, between 30 and 40 years old, 180cm tall of a thin build.

Originally published as Rush on home security systems following frightening unsolved Geelong ‘night stalker’ series