A masked prowler has neighbors in Waukesha on edge after home surveillance cameras caught him creeping around properties and peering into windows in the Springbrook North area. Residents who captured the unsettling footage say the same person has popped up in different parts of the city, and they want to know who he is and what he was doing. Police, meanwhile, are asking the public to comb through their own security footage and report anything that looks suspicious.
The video, first highlighted by TMJ4, shows a masked man walking up a set of patio steps, then leaning in and peering through the glass doors of a home in Springbrook North. Homeowner Mike Luedtke told the station that his camera recorded the man staring in on April 30, and that the same figure appeared again about six weeks later and walked across the back patio. Other residents, including neighbor Shauna Kleinhans, told the outlet the repeat sightings have left them feeling unsafe in their own homes.
The Waukesha Police Department said its officers are sorting through the reports to see how many of the incidents might be tied to the same person. In a statement shared with TMJ4, the department noted that it has not received any related reports of homes being broken into, property being damaged, or items being stolen. Police are still urging residents to report suspicious activity right away. For non-emergencies, callers are directed to the department’s non-emergency line at 262-524-3831, according to Waukesha County. Investigators say quick calls and additional surveillance footage give them a better chance of figuring out whether these late-night visits are connected.
Police Ask Residents To Share Footage And Details
Officers say the most useful tips include the exact time and place of any sighting, a clear description of the person such as clothing and direction of travel, and any photos or unedited video that cameras may have captured. If a vehicle is involved, investigators want descriptions and license plates whenever possible. Police are also reminding residents to keep exterior lights working and to lock doors and windows so it is easier to spot and deter prowlers. They are asking neighbors to send footage and information straight to the department instead of relying only on social media posts, so investigators can review potential evidence in real time.
Simple Steps To Harden Your Home
Police say a few basic moves can make homes less attractive to prowlers. Keeping exterior lights on, installing motion sensors and visible cameras, and trimming back shrubs that create hiding spots can all help reduce opportunities for someone to sneak around a property. The National Crime Prevention Council points residents to checklists and neighborhood watch resources for those who want to coordinate crime-prevention efforts with their neighbors, according to NCPC. If you do capture video of suspicious activity, officials recommend saving an unedited copy and contacting police before blasting the footage across social media, so investigators have a clean look at potential evidence.
Neighbors say they are hoping the attention on the prowler will be enough to identify him and calm nerves in the area. Police say they plan to keep canvassing for additional footage and information as the investigation continues.
