Athens-Clarke County police are urging residents around the University of Georgia to stay alert after reports of a prowler peeping through windows and, in at least one case, being spotted inside a home. The incidents have neighbors in the area around College Station Road and Riverbend Parkway on high alert, even as authorities say they have not released a suspect description and still are not sure how many cases they are dealing with.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department posted an alert on its official Facebook account telling residents to lock doors, leave exterior lights on and call 911 to report suspicious activity. Investigators also shared contact information for Detective Joshua Ramey ([email protected]; 762-400-7257) and Detective Dara Shapland ([email protected]; 762-400-7198) for anyone who has tips.
What police are saying
In a statement on its official Facebook, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said it is "actively investigating these cases and are prioritizing the safety of our community. As our investigation continues, please remain alert, lock your home's entrances, and consider leaving lights on around the perimeter." The department said the incidents have been reported near university facilities, but not on the UGA campus itself, and did not release any details about how the prowler allegedly got inside a residence.
How neighbors are responding
Neighbors in the College Station-Riverbend area are treating every creak and rustle a little more seriously than usual. Residents posting on local message boards and apartment community groups say they are reviewing security camera footage, putting outdoor lights on timers and double-checking that doors and windows are locked. Several student renters report sharing alerts in roommate group chats and asking landlords to check entrances and common areas. Police, for their part, have stepped up patrols in the neighborhood while investigators work through incoming tips.
What to do if you see something
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joshua Ramey at [email protected] or 762-400-7257, or Detective Dara Shapland at [email protected] or 762-400-7198. If you see someone peeping into a residence, call 911 immediately. Police are also asking neighbors to keep exterior lights on when possible and to report anything that seems out of place or suspicious.
