CLINTON - Clinton police are looking for a male suspect who they believe is responsible for at least five thefts of women's underwear over the past two months.

In several cases, the thefts took place while women were home, said Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy. On one occasion, a male resident confronted the thief after he was caught in a home.

"There was a tussle, and we tracked him for a while but lost him," Reidy said of the underwear thief. No weapon was displayed during the incident.

Police are urging residents to take the string of thefts seriously.

"It may seem harmless now, but it's not harmless if they are brazen enough to come into a home when someone is there," Reidy said.

The person involved in the thefts may be mentally ill, the police chief said.

Reidy said the thefts have at least one thing in common.

"They are taking a certain type of underwear. Skimpy, thong underwear is all they are taking," he said.

The police chief cautioned women who may see the underwear thief to avoid a confrontation.

"They should call 911. If they hear something, they need to call us before they do anything," Reidy said.

Edith Brady-Lunny can be reached at eblunny@mchsi.com.