Police: Burglar Striking Garfield Ridge Homes While Residents Sleep

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police are warning about a burglar who strikes at night when people are home, asleep, reports CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli.

Garfield Ridge is a quiet neatly kept neighborhood on the city's southwest side. Squad cars parked out front clearly indicate that many cops call the area home. But despite their presence a brazen criminal is on the prowl here.

"It's just scary," said Irene Nelson. "I'm afraid for my daughter."

Andrea Nelson said that she was, "Really frightened."

They're frightened because their neighbor was violently sexually assaulted by an intruder who broke into her South Nagle Avenue home.

"I don't feel safe walking home anymore," said Danielle Luna.

And she's not alone, because three other homes were targeted on Nagle and Narragansett.

All were hit on March 30th or 31st and In all four cases the suspect struck overnight. The string of attacks prompted police to issue the community alert.

"Were scared to walk the streets now," said Irene Nelson.

Police say broken windows doors and locks should be repaired immediately. What's harder to repair, is the broken sense of security.

"This is a safe neighborhood now I feel terrified," said Jennifer Ortman.

And that feeling is likely to linger until the intruder is caught. Until then, women say they plan to be far more vigilant than in the past.

"I'm going to be a lot more careful, said Danielle Luna. "No headphones walking, always walking with somebody."