Font ResizeBERKELEY — Berkeley police are investigating two recent home invasion-sexual assault cases and a burglary that could be linked.
Detectives are investigating a sexual assault that occurred before dawn Tuesday at a home in the 1200 block of Milvia Street in North Berkeley, as well as a sexual assault of a woman at her home in the 2300 block of Derby Street on June 17, said police spokesman Officer Andrew Frankel.
Four days later, in the early hours of June 21, a residence in the 1800 block of Vine Street was burglarized. This burglary is suspicious given the proximity to the other home invasions and the suspect description, police said. Someone was home at the time, but was not injured or sexually assaulted, Frankel said.
In all three cases, the suspect was armed with a deadly weapon.
"Despite the warm weather, community members should always lock and secure their windows," Frankel said. "Be aware of locations and situations which make you more vulnerable to crime, such as traveling alone, and when walking through alleys, doorways, parking lots and stairwells."
Police said historically, more than 50 percent of the burglaries in the city of Berkeley occur when someone leaves a window or door open or unlocked.``Stranger sexual assault, those committed by a stranger who enters a home or grabs a woman from the street are very, very rare in Berkeley,'' said Sgt. Mary Kusmiss, police spokeswoman.
The city averages about 2 rapes
Police did not release a detailed description of the man, what he was wearing or how he fled the scene.
Anyone with information about the cases should call the police department's sex crimes unit at 510-981-5735.
Working in partnership with Bay Area Crime Stoppers, police are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.
Callers can remain anonymous by calling Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
