Police want east Kitchener residents on alert - PROWLER ON THE LOOSE

Waterloo Region police are asking residents in an east Kitchener neigbourhood to be on alert after a number of people reported seeing a prowler in the area.

The suspect was most recently spotted on Upper Mercer Street, and police say the sightings date back to November of last year.

Waterloo Regional Police spokesperson Olaf Heinzel says "We had several incidents that occurred in the dark, but we've also had several incidents during the daylight hours. It is possible the individual may be living in the area or has reason to be in that area."

Police are hoping a black Triumph mountain bike left behind at one of the scenes may provide some leads.

So far there have been four reported sightings of the prowler, the most recent just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Area resident Larry Smuck says "Well first of all, my neighbour came and knocked on my door and told me about it, and then I looked out here and there were about five cruisers and the van and all of a sudden another came with the dog."

People in the neighbourhood say they are unnerved, and will be keeping their eyes peeled.

Laura Iutzi also lives in the area and she says "I don't want to have people over and all of a sudden somebody's going to be peeking in my window."

Police say the prowler's motivations are unclear and they are asking anyone with information about the bicycle found or the suspect to contact them.