LOCK YOUR DOORS

THE LOUDOUN PROWLER IS IN STERLING

The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating two cases in Sterling which may be linked to the prowler incidents in Leesburg and Ashburn over the last year.

On August 29, a man forced his way into an elderly woman’s home and sexually assaulted her. Then early in the morning on September 3, a woman awoke and saw a man outside of her bedroom window. It is unclear if the subject was attempting to enter her house.

I am talking directly to the Sheriff’s Office during this ongoing investigation.

The agency has reported to me that they understand the concerns of the community and want to assure them this situation is of the highest priority for the Sheriff’s Office. Unfortunately, the Sheriff’s Office cannot release details of their tactics or procedures. Doing so could jeopardize their investigation.

There is no solid physical description of the suspect at this time.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking that residents report any and all suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Kraig Troxell, the Information Officer for the agency, said today that if you see or hear something suspicious to immediately call the Loudoun Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff’s Department is urging residents to lock all doors and windows.

Keeping the area directly around your home well-lit is also encouraged.

Some neighbors have installed alarms and motion detectors to alert them to intruders.

Look out for the homes of neighbors who's spouses or families have left temporarily.

Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021. If you have information on any of the prowler cases you are asked to contact the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475.

>>> PERMISSION GRANTED TO DISTRIBUTE IN ADVANCE

I hope you can tell others about this. This prowler and stalker has attacked Ashburn and Leesburg and has developed a pattern of attacking at night. We have enough problems. The sheriff's office is distributing "gun safety KITS" WITH 1000 GUNLOCKS. I think we should be distributing a list of gun providers, gun training schools and gun shops too. Thank you.