An image released by police.
An image released by police. Source: Herald Sun
A BURGLAR who broke into two homes as the owners slept is being hunted by police.
The thief even ransacked a bedside table as the home owner slept in the bed just centimetres away, police said.
The first incident happened in Newmarket St, Newmarket, at 3.50am on March 25 after he gained access through an unlocked door.
“One of the three occupants in the house, a 24-year-old man, woke to find the burglar going through a bedside table next to his bed,” police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady said.
“The man got out of bed and confronted the burglar, who ran out a rear door and then along the railway lines.”
Police believe the same man broke into an apartment on Fisher Parade, Ascot Vale, about 11.30pm the next night.
“He woke the sleeping occupants, a 27-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, when he stood at their bedroom door and used his mobile phone to see his way,” Ms O’Grady said.
“The man ran from the apartment, grabbing a laptop computer on his way out.”
Detectives believe the man climbed over a boundary fence and then unlocked a glass sliding door to gain entry.
“This was terrifying for the victims involved and frightening for community at large,” Sen-Det Shaun O'Connell, from Moonee Valley Criminal Investigation Unit, said.
“We have no idea why he is walking straight into the bedrooms.”
Sen-Det O’Connell said there was nothing to suggest the offender was local, but police had posted letters about the burglaries to 800 homes in the area and the offending had since stopped.
Police have released images and CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to.
He is Caucasian, aged between 25 and 35, with a bald head.
He was wearing sneakers, dark-coloured shorts and a light-coloured T-shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
