OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and practice good safety habits after two females reported separate incidents of a masked man entering their Oshkosh homes.
Public Affairs Crime Prevention Officer Kate Mann with the Oshkosh Police Department offered additional details Wednesday, saying there was no forced entry in either instance.
“We have information to believe that the way the person entered into the homes, one was a window and one was a door, and they were not locked at that time.”
She said nothing was stolen from inside the residences and no weapons were used. These incidents are being considered trespassing, not home invasions.
“Trespassing is when someone is criminally entering into your home and they are not allowed to be in your home. If they had burglary intentions, they would be intending to commit a felony.”
When asked if the women were home alone at the time of the incidents or if there were other people in the houses with them, Mann said “it was a mix of both.” Police still aren’t sure if the incidents are related.
Mann said there is going to be an extra police presence in the area going forward. Citizens who live near where the incidents occurred are asked to check their home surveillance video and security camera footage for any suspicious persons.
“We do want to remind citizens to be aware of their surroundings and remember to secure both windows — especially with the warm weather, secure those windows and secure those doors. If you do see something suspicious, please call and report it to us. We don’t know the intention of the people that were entering into the homes, but we want to err on the side of caution. We want to be extra aware of what is going on. That’s why we wanted to get the message out to citizens to let them know that these instances have happened.”
The incidents happened within two weeks of one another and occurred just blocks apart in the area of East Hall Park.
On April 1, just before 7:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Vine Avenue, a female called to report that a male had entered her residence. The female stated this male was standing in the doorway to her bedroom. When she yelled at the male, he fled the scene.
He is described as being approximately 6’2” tall with a skinny build, wearing a slim fitting black jacket, dark pants and a white mask.
On April 14, around 4 a.m. in the 1200 block of Wisconsin Street, a female called to report that she woke up to a male standing over her while she was sleeping in her bed. When she screamed at him, he fled the residence.
He is described as a white male, approximately 5’10”- 6’ tall, with a muscular build, approximately college-age, with brown chin-length hair. He was wearing a long sleeve dark colored t-shirt, dark pants and a black ski mask that covered half of his face.
An investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who has information regarding these incidents is encouraged to call the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700. If you wish to remain anonymous, call the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477 or report it through the P3 App.
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