Sketch of voyeurism suspect released after 5 cases reported in September

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham police are investigating some recent acts of lewd behavior that are similar in nature to some 2017 cases.

Since Sept. 9, five incidents have been reported and police have developed a sketch of the man based on the description given during the investigation of one of those cases.

The suspect is described as a white, 20 to 30 years old, has a slender build, dark hair and was reportedly wearing a hooded sweatshirt during the acts.

Officials said the man was seen peering into windows while holding a flashlight or a cellphone up.

Victims told officers the man exposed himself and was masturbating.

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Earlier in the year, four cases were reported to the Bellingham Police Department.

Officials said there were at least 15 reports of voyeurism between July and December of 2017, all of which were centered around eight square blocks near Laural Park and the York neighborhood. Both areas are close to the campus of Western Washington University.

Police are reminding residents and students to be on alert and to call 911 when they become aware of a stranger peeking through their window.

Officials say voyeurism is an underreported crime and the assailant can become more daring causing the danger level to increase.

To safeguard your home from a voyeur, police recommend to close and lock all windows, close curtains or blinds (tilt the angle on the blinds to not allow a view from outside to the inside), turn off inside lights and turn on porch lights.

Anyone with information on the incidents and/or the suspect is asked to call Detective Howell at 360-778-8682 or visit the online tip form at: https://www.cob.org/services/safety/police/reporting/Pages/police-tips.aspx

Cox Media Group