Northern crime spree may be linked

Police say a series of break and enters in northwestern New Brunswick during the past several months, including one that involved an attempted sexual assault of an elderly woman, may have been committed by the same person.

Investigators have identified a series of links in the string of crimes that have occurred in the area stretching from Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska to Plaster Rock, RCMP Sgt. Marc Violette stated in a news release.

"Victims and potential victims have reported there has been a break in to their property, they have encountered a strange man at their door or seen a stranger walking around the exterior of their home," he said.

Those who have seen a man describe him as being between five-foot-eight and five-foot-10 with dark hair, Violette said.

The break and enters have all occurred between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

In one incident on Oct. 11, a man broke into a home in Plaster Rock about 5 a.m. and attempted to sexually assault an elderly woman. The intruder left when the woman spoke to him. The woman was not injured.

The RCMP is reminding residents to ensure their doors and windows are locked, and that areas are well lit to discourage would be thieves.