Police continue to investigate masked man snooping around Geelong

A fresh sighting of an alleged serial night stalker has sent shivers up the spines of residents in a Geelong suburb after he was chased out of a property by a dog this morning. WATCH

A fresh sighting of an alleged serial night stalker has sent shivers up the spines of Geelong residents, with the man chased out of a property by a dog and narrowly avoiding capture.

A family in Rippleside was woken by their pet German Shepherd barking at the man about 2.20am on Wednesday and immediately called police.

The Bay St home security footage revealed a man sneaking up the family’s front driveway while wearing a black surgical mask, black gloves, wide brimmed hat, dark Adidas hoodie and tracksuit.

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

He appeared to be startled by a security light and the dog before turning and running off.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police were investigating the incident and the man’s alleged link to a number of similar incidents and attempted burglaries in Rippleside, Bell Post Hill and Highton.

“Officers were called to the Bay St home about 2.20am after occupants were woken to their dog chasing a man from the yard,” she said.

“Police were quickly on scene however the man fled prior to their arrival.”

It comes as Rippleside residents reacted in shock that the alleged offender had returned to their neighbourhood more than two weeks after he was first reported allegedly stalking the streets.

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

“I am nervous and shocked that he is so brazen to return to prowl around houses after all the publicity and his picture being circulated,” said one resident, who did not want to be named.

“He has clearly not been deterred so that makes us very concerned about what he may be capable of doing.

“It was great work by the police though to arrive at the scene after only a few minutes.”

Many others were checking home security footage this morning in an attempt to help with the man’s arrest.

Reports of a car seen leaving the area around the same as the Bay St incident have been reported to police.

“Next time hopefully they get him, because I think he will be back again,” the resident said.

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

Police hunt alleged Rippleside stalker

Police have issued a fresh plea for information to identify a masked man following a spate of attempted burglaries in the Geelong area earlier this month.

Geelong detectives have released images and CCTV vision of a caucasian man who they believed will help with their inquiries.

The vision shows the man wearing a wearing a hat, Adidas hoodie and face mask.

The man has been seen on security cameras attempting to enter homes across the Geelong area.

CCTV from Friday February 3, about 4:15am. CCTV from Scott Holbrook's property in Rippleside. Picture: Facebook

“Investigators believe the same man is linked to a number of attempted burglaries in the Bell Post Hill, Rippleside and Highton areas between the hours of 2.30am and 4.30am,” police said.

“The incidents have occurred between January 29 and February 7.

“Residents were home at the time, and nothing has been identified as stolen.

“While there has been no damage to property or items stolen, the behaviour is unusual.

“Detectives have made a number of inquires to identify the man and believe he is caucasian, about 30-40-years-old, thin build and about 180cm tall.”

Police probe for more information to identify a man following a series of attempted burglaries in the Geelong area.

Rippleside resident, Scott Holbrook, said the man attempted to break into his home on the morning of February 3.

CCTV footage shows the man walking up to his front door and allegedly checking to see if it was unlocked about 4am.

“He seems to be snooping … he moves around quite nonchalant with his hands behind his back,” he said.

Another Rippleside resident, who preferred not to be named, said he woke to his dog barking at 4am.

“I checked our security cameras straight away and saw the individual enter our property and try to break in,” he said.

“I contacted our neighbours, looked like he visited most properties on our street.”

He said many of them only become aware of the alleged trespasser after footage was posted on social media.

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

Originally published as Police continue to investigate masked man snooping around Geelong