Police hunt masked man allegedly ‘snooping’ around homes in Geelong’s northern suburbs

An investigation into a disturbing series of alleged prowling offences remains ongoing after multiple victims shared their frightening stories.

Geelong police are investigating a number of disturbing alleged offences in the northern suburbs of Geelong involving the same man. Picture: Alan Barber

UPDATE: A serial stalker is still on the loose in Geelong after targeting homes in the city’s northern suburbs, leaving many residents terrified.

Victoria Police said an investigation into a disturbing series of alleged offences remained ongoing on Tuesday, after home security cameras captured what appears to be the same offender on multiple occasions allegedly peering into windows and attempting to open front doors in Rippleside, Bell Park and Bell Post Hill as families sleep in the early hours of the morning.

At least seven people have outlined their encounters with the alleged offender since Tuesday, January 31, describing them as “very disturbing” and “unsettling”.

The creep has been seen wearing an Adidas hoodie, a wide brim hat, a face mask and gloves.

CCTV footage has captured a man allegedly trying to break into multiple homes across the northern suburbs of Geelong, in Bell Park, Bell Post Hill and Rippleside.

One Rippleside resident, who preferred not to be named, said he woke to his dog barking at 4am on Friday morning.

“I thought it was quite unusual, she only barks at people walking past. I got up to check and saw a car drive off,” he said.

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

“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.

A man can be seen leaving a Rippleside home in Geelong's northern suburbs.

“He seemed calm, and even after our sensor light and dog barking still tried to gain access,” he said.

“When unsuccessful he calmly walked off. All very concerning not knowing is motives.”

Another Rippleside resident, Scott Holbrook, said he attempted to break into his home on Friday morning, with CCTV footage showing 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.

The alleged offences have been taking place in Geelong's northern suburbs, in Bell Post Hill, Bell Park and Rippleside.

“He is always wearing the same clothing, the wide brim hat and gloves.”

Mr Holbrook, who lives with his wife and two young children, said he has seen other CCTV footage of the man circulating Facebook community groups in the days leading up to the incident.

“The invasion of privacy (is concerning),” he said.

“Knowing they have been on your property and you don’t know what their intentions are.”

Mr Holbrook and a number of other potential victims have been contacted by police regarding the frightening alleged crimes.

“They haven’t got any fingerprints because he always wears gloves,” he said.

“Police said if you see or hear the man to ring triple-0.”

A Victoria Police spokesman told the Geelong Advertiser they are aware of the incidents.

“Police are aware of several reports of a suspicious person seen in the Rippleside and Bell Post Hill areas between 31 January and 3 February,” the statement said.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police hunt masked man allegedly ‘snooping’ around homes in Geelong’s northern suburbs