KITCHENER -- Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after several people reported prowlers in the university district over the past few months.

At least nine incidents have been reported since April 3.

In each incident, a female reported a suspicious person to police. Often the suspect was seen peering through a window.

Several reports were made from people on Fir Street in Waterloo, including a couple of incidents on May 29.

Tara Lee lives on Fir Street and says she knows someone who spotted the prowler.

"The man was just outside her window for more than 30 minutes," she told CTV News.

Lee felt uneasy about the incident for weeks afterward.

"I was staying up, not sleeping," she says. "I didn't feel safe."

Three similar incidents were also reported on June 21.

In some cases, the suspect was described as a white man, about 20- to 30-years-old and standing around six feet tall with a thin-to-medium build. In other instances, no suspect description was given.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service says it's investigating each incident independently, but investigators are trying to determine whether or not they are related.

Here's a breakdown of the cases police are investigating:

  • April 3 at about 11:30 p.m., Hawthorn Street:  a female saw a person standing outside her bedroom. She later found out her screen had been cut open.
  • May 29 at about 12:40 a.m., Fir Street: a female saw someone standing on a garbage bin and peering through a window.
  • May 29 at about 2:40 a.m., Fir Street: a female saw a person standing outside her bedroom window.
  • June 17 at about 1:42 a.m., Fir Street: a female reported a suspicious man standing between two houses in the area.
  • June 21 at about 12:25 a.m., Kingscourt Drive: a female saw a suspect peering into several units in the area
  • June 21 at about 11:10 p.m., Fir Street: a female reported dogs barking and believed someone was outside her window
  • June 21 at about 11:20 p.m., Clayfield Avenue: a female reported a male peering into a bedroom and bathroom window
  • July 4 at about 12:55 a.m., Hickory Street West: a female reported a male peering through a window
  • July 7 at about 11:30 p.m., Ezra Avenue: a female reported a suspicious male in the area

Officers went door-to door on Thursday, speaking to students and sharing tips on how to stay safe from possible prowlers.

Police are also asking residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals right away.

They recommend installing motion sensor lights or leaving exterior lights on as a precaution, keeping windows and doors secure and to make sure that blinds or curtains are drawn to ensure privacy.

Waterloo Regional Police also announced Thursday that they had arrested a man in connection to a series of indecent act complaints in Waterloo. They say seven incidents were reported to police over a 10-month period.

In the meantime, Wilfrid Laurier University released a statement saying they’re increasing the number of special constables on campus and the surrounding areas, and they continue to work closely with Waterloo Regional Police.