(April 23, 2002) -- LBPD.reports that on April 21 between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., two separate ELB burglaries involving sexual assaults occurred in the area of Stearns Ave. and Bellflower Blvd.

In one crime, a man entered a 74 year old woman's home through an unlocked window. The woman awoke in her bed when the suspect covered her face and struggled with the suspect who had covered his face. The suspect fled.

The second crime took place just minutes later in the same area. The suspect entered a 58 year old victim's home through an unlocked sliding glass door, attacked the vicitm as she slept in her bed, covered her face and sexually assaulted her.

Police say the victim fought the suspect for several minutes before he fled out the sliding door. Neither victim could give a detailed description because he either covered his face or theirs.

LBPD said its Investigations Bureau and East Patrol Division "are working closely together, and utilizing all resources, in an effort to develop information on these recent incidents. The Police Department is once again reminding all residents to lock their doors and windows, and to report any suspicious persons or activity in their neighborhoods. To obtain more information on home security or on how to participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program, please call the Community Relations Division at (562) 570-7215."

Anyone with information about these two crimes is asked to call Sex Crimes Detective Randi Castillo at (562) 570-7372.