By Courtney Dentch
The attacks took place on March 4 and July 4, exactly three months apart in houses near the intersection of Merrick and Francis Lewis boulevards in Laurelton, police said.
In each case, a man entered the house through a window between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. and raped the women, who are both in their 50s, police said. He told one of the women that he had a knife, but she never actually saw the weapon, police said.
Both times the man fled in an unknown direction, police said.
Police were hunting for the man, described as 20 to 25 years old with a ponytail. A sketch of the man, compiled from accounts by the two women, was also released, police said.
In the 105th Precinct, which stretches from Glen Oaks to Rosedale along the Nassau County border, has reported a 42.8 percent hike in rapes over last year. From the beginning of 2003 through July 19, 14 rapes were recorded while 20 have been logged during the same time frame this year, according to police statistics.
Officers say the man may strike again, and Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton) warned women to be careful.
“Until we as a society can determine that the life and well-being of women is the same as men women have to take extra precautions,” he said. “Be aware of your environment at all times.”
Sanders also suggested that women walking home or to their car have their keys ready. Buying motion-detecting lights for the exterior of homes may also be wise, he said.
The councilman also urged women who have been attacked to come forward and report the crime to the police.
“They still say rape is one of the most under-reportd crimes out there,” Sanders said. “While it is understandable the way society views people, at the same time we need to catch these mad men, these degenerates.”
Anyone with information about the man was asked to call 911 or the 105th Precinct at 718-776-9090. People can also call the New York Police Department's confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Reach reporter Courtney Dentch by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
