Reading police are urging salons, spas and gyms to stay sharp after a string of unnerving encounters with a young man who has been walking into local businesses without appointments and trying to chat up employees. Staff told officers the visitor has, at times, asked to read customers’ palms and even their feet, a request that has rattled workers across town. Police say they are tracking the reports and gathering more details while asking businesses to be extra cautious.
In a Facebook update, the Reading Police Department said the alert follows similar reports from last week and that officers are working with neighboring departments as they look into the situation, according to the Reading Police Department. The post noted that community members have been sharing a name, identified online as “Sepeher Belar,” but stressed that social media allegations about criminal behavior tied to that name have not all been confirmed.
Police guidance to businesses and residents
“Call immediately if any individual makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable,” the department wrote, urging owners and employees to be wary of walk-in visitors with unusual requests. Officers are asking anyone who encounters the man to report it promptly, including physical descriptions, timestamps and video when it can be captured safely. Police say they will continue coordinating with nearby agencies to compare reports and check out leads and sightings.
Unverified claims circulating online
Since the department’s post went live, other social media users have claimed the man harassed people and even made kidnapping threats in parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Those allegations remain unverified. Reading police cautioned that online speculation can muddy the waters of an active investigation and are asking residents to send credible information directly to law enforcement rather than amplify unconfirmed accusations.
Practical steps for salon, spa and gym staff
Business owners and employees are being advised to keep treatment rooms and other private areas secure, verify all appointments and politely turn down any attempts to access back rooms without a scheduled service. If someone makes you feel threatened or the situation escalates, police say you should call 911. For non-emergency concerns, they are urging people to use the department’s usual reporting channels and to preserve any potential evidence, such as photos or security video.
Reading police say they will keep the community updated as new information comes in and encourage anyone with tips to contact them. For the department’s original alert and full wording, see the Reading Police Department post linked above.
