Rippleside neighbours find hat believed to belong to local night stalker

Local Rippleside residents have found a clue they believe is linked to their alleged night stalker.

Rippleside locals fed up of “sleeping with one eye open” have spotted what appears to be a clue linked to their alleged night stalker.

A woman said she found a hat blowing in her driveway and took to a local Facebook group to ask the community if it looks like the same hat worn by a man allegedly lurking outside homes at night.

“It occurred to me, doesn’t our local night-time creep wear something similar in shape?” the woman asked.

A hat that appears to belong to the Rippleside night stalker was spotted by locals. Picture: Facebook.

A man attempts to enter a Rippleside property in the early hours.

It was found in the vicinity of St Helens Place and Bay St.

The hat appears to look similar to the one captured on CCTV footage police have shared in a bid to identify the man.

The hat was handed into police on Saturday.

One man said the alleged night stalker was spotted in the area recently and took off when he was startled by someone’s dog.

Many locals said it was too much of a coincidence and another said she hopes it is his hat as she is “over sleeping with one eye open”.

Alleged Rippleside night stalker. Pictures: Supplied.

The man is believed to be caucasian, about 30-40-years-old, has a thin build and is about 180cm.

He has been seen on CCTV wearing the same clothing, including the hat, a black surgical mask, gloves, a dark hoodie and a tracksuit.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said police have strongly discouraged local residents from conducting their own investigations or night patrols.

Sergeant Guthrie said police are still investigating.

“It’s one of our priorities, we are looking into it and doing everything we can to identify him,” Sergeant Guthrie said.

“If you hear anything, please contact triple-0 straight away.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Rippleside neighbours find hat believed to belong to local night stalker