Elderly Warned to Be on Alert for Rapist

Police are warning elderly women in four cities to lock windows and doors and leave lights on to avoid becoming victims of a man suspected of a series of 22 rapes, attempted rapes and burglaries.

“We’ve been sending our representatives to the senior citizens’ centers in the city and to the mobile home parks, to the clubhouses,� Anaheim Police Sgt. Ken Brott said. “We’ve stepped it up because of what’s been happening. (Elderly residents) have concerns for their safety, and obviously we do, too.�

Since last July, similar-style attacks have occurred with disturbing frequency in Anaheim, Fullerton, Santa Ana and Claremont. The similarities in method, timing and the general description of the assailant have led police to believe that the crimes may be the work of one man.

All but one of the victims lived alone. All were attacked in their homes. Most were sleeping when the intruder came in through an open window or door. And in all but the most recent case, no weapon was used.

Sixteen women have been raped, one of them twice in three months. And one victim has died.

This series of crimes against mostly elderly women has prompted a noticeable increase in requests for instruction in crime prevention, Brott said Friday. “We got a couple more calls today. Obviously, they are concerned.�

In Fullerton, crime prevention officers have spent the last two days visiting 36 locations identified as having high concentrations of elderly residents, such as mobile home parks and convalescent homes, Sgt. Wade Richmond said. “And we’re still doing it.�

In Santa Ana, a police sergeant who specializes in crimes against the elderly has been investigating three rapes on South Sullivan Street, sharing information with officers in the other departments and telling elderly residents how to safeguard themselves.

And in Claremont, police are planning a session for residents of the neighborhood where three women have been raped since last July, Sgt. Russ Brown said.

“Many people who are victims have the right security devices already in place and they are not using them,� Brott said, citing door and window locks as the most common examples. “We’re telling people to use the locking devices they already have in place.�

Police are also advising residents to leave lights on inside and outside their homes. “Expose them to light and they’ll go somewhere else,� Brott said.

And to prevent tragedies like the death last week of Gertrude Roberts, 86, who suffered a heart attack after an intruder entered her home, crime prevention officers are reminding people to dial 911 for emergencies.