Patrols boosted amid concerns about prowler

Newport Beach police continue their search for an elusive prowler who makes his way into unlocked homes of one coastal community and looms over people as they sleep, police said.

Many residents of the Newport Crest townhome community are worried about the bizarre break-ins, but they have noticed increased police presence and fast response.

In Encore Court, one part of the neighborhood where two homes have reported being visited by the mysterious night prowler, many of the homes had their blinds open, giving a clean view of the entire residence.

Sue Govorko, who lives in the neighborhood, said she takes much more precaution now with her home, especially since she has children.

“It’s definitely on our minds as we go to bed each night,” Govorko said. “We’re more diligent to do things that, in the past, weren’t as necessary.”

Many of the neighbors like Govorko have speculated that the man is a student because he seems to strike during the holidays.

Zach Biehl, who has lived at the complex for six years, thinks the prowler could live in the neighborhood or be related to someone who does because he appears familiar with the area. Police have the same suspicions, Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area, canvassing door-to-door looking for potential suspects. But the best way to keep this man out of homes is pretty simple: keep doors and windows locked when out of the house or sleeping at night, police said.

“Every one of these incidents has been with an unlocked door,” Sailor said. “The biggest deterrent is locked doors and windows.”

Biehl has avoided the prowler, but he notices when he’s been around based on the quick police response, he said.

“Police have done a good job keeping us informed also,” Biehl said, but if the prowler hit his house things might go down a bit differently.

“My wife would call the cops, but I am sure I would take care of him,” Biehl said. “If he comes in here, it’s over. He’s done.”

Biehl’s anxious about the increased sightings.

“It makes me worried because it seems like he’s getting a little bit bolder,” Biehl said. “Every criminal gets their start somewhere.”

A total of 15 reports have been made to police since November 2006, all attributed to the same person, Sailor said.

Police have passed out informational fliers on three occasions, once in November 2006 and 2007 and January. Also, a community safety meeting was held on Dec. 3 at the community’s clubhouse to inform residents and discuss the problem.

In the most recent break-in, the victim got a good enough look at the prowler to give police a detailed description.

Victims described the prowler as a white man in his mid-20s. He is clean-shaven, 5-foot-8 to 6-feet tall, has an average build, a round face and short, spiked brown hair, according to police.

Once he was said to have been wearing a long-sleeved shirt and dark pants. In the more recent reports, victims told police the suspect was wearing a black cardigan sweater, blue jeans and dark shoes.

Anyone with information on the break-ins or the identity of the prowler is encouraged to call Det. Pat Olson at (949) 644-3618.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at kelly.strodl@latimes.com.