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DNA tests on 2,000 men but still the Night Stalker is free
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor06.11.09
Detectives hunting Britain's most wanted serial rapist-burglar have obtained more than 2,000 DNA samples from potential suspects in an attempt to end his 19-year crime spree.
The man, dubbed the Night Stalker, has eluded detection despite committing more than 100 offences across south London dating back to 1990, and leaving forensic samples at more than 10 crime scenes. He targets the elderly and carried out several attacks dressed in a black all-in-one suit thought to be a motorcycle outfit.
It has now emerged that police have conducted 2,054 DNA tests at a cost of £102,700, after writing to men who might fit the rapist's profile asking them to give a voluntary sample. But this has so far not been successful, and a team of 29 people at Lewisham police station are continuing to work on the case.
The attacker is described as a light-skinned black man aged about 35 to 45. The attempt to use DNA began after analysis of samples left at crime scenes revealed both his parents originally came from the Windward Islands in the Caribbean.
Detectives drew up a list of 21,500 people and began asking men for voluntary DNA samples to eliminate them from the inquiry. Eight officers travelled to the Caribbean including Trinidad, Tobago, St Lucia and St Vincent.
The trawl initially met some resistance after the Met was accused of sending threatening letters to men who refused to take part. Members of the Metropolitan Police Authority questioned its legality and warned it could inflame community tensions. The attacker shows a distinctive pattern, often disabling phone lines and fuse boxes before breaking into homes of vulnerable people and attacking in the dark. He often wears a mask. He is linked to at least 108 raids with victims aged between 68 and 93. He has raped four people and sexually assaulted 24. One 88-year-old woman almost died after the attack.
Areas targeted include Dulwich, Orpington, Norwood, Downham, Lee, West Wickham, Bickley and Shirley.
Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
