Police hunt repeat flasher

By Melissa Meehan
POLICE are appealing for assistance to trace a man who has been preying on young children in Keysborough, Springvale and other south-eastern areas of Melbourne.
The man, pictured, is wanted by police in relation to more than 90 incidents that date back to January 2003.
While Operation Lamais was launched in April 2008 to investigate the incidents, police are now confident that one man was involved.
The most recent incident reported to police occurred about 4.20pm on Saturday 10 January when the man approached three young girls in Gunther Avenue, Springvale.
He tried to engage the girls in conversation before exposing himself.
Family members witnessed the incident and detained him for a short period before he fled on a bicycle.
Police spokeswoman Sarah Mahoney said the man was believed to have received injuries to both elbows, his nose and a cut to his face near his right eye.
Investigators believe the man was responsible for the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in Springvale South in 2004 and an indecent assault committed on two girls aged eight and 11 in Mount Waverley in 2008.
Other incidents believed to be committed by the same man include him exposing himself to young girls, usually aged between eight and 12 years.
Ms Mahoney said the majority of offences occurred after a man rode past a child or children, then doubled back and approached them, engaging in conversation before exposing himself.
She said the man appeared to be most active between noon and dusk on weekends and from 4pm to dusk on weekdays.
He is described as Caucasian, aged in his 40s or 50s, of medium athletic build with dark short hair with some grey. Victims have described him as wearing a T-shirt, dark-coloured, high-cut shorts or tight cycling pants, a cycling helmet and sunglasses.
Police are seeking assistance to identify the man. They believe it is highly likely that he would have sought medical attention for his injuries and may be avoiding contact with friends, family or work colleagues to hide them.
Detective Inspector Paul O’Halloran from the sex crimes squad said that police needed help to identify the man before he committed other offences.
“The victims of these incidents are extremely distressed by what they have witnessed and we are eager to apprehend this man,” Insp O’Halloran said.
“I urge anyone who believes they see someone acting suspiciously to call police.”
Anyone who believes they have information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.