Vancouver Police say the convicted sex offender known as "The Balaclava Rapist" has not been seen in an East Vancouver neighbourhood, despite signs posted in the area detailing recent sightings.
Some Mount Pleasant residents took matters into their own hands after word that Larry Takahashi had apparently moved to a halfway house in the area.
Anonymous leaflets posted in the community say the rapist has been seen near David Livingstone Elementary and Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School, and near high-traffic bus stops.
But VPD Const. Brian Montague said they are phantom sightings, and the felon has not left his halfway house since he was released from custody.
Const. Montague said the force wants the public "to be vigilant" but also be cautious of mistakenly identifying an innocent person as a sex offender.
"We want them to be aware of Mr. Takahashi but we are concerned that someone who may resemble Mr. Takahashi may wind up in a situation we don't want him in obviously," he said.
Privacy rules prevent the name of the halfway house to be released by police.
The 63-year-old was the subject of a recent police alert after he was granted parole, despite a Parole Board report that found he was a moderate to high risk to reoffend.
Takahashi, who was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for at least 30 rapes in the 1970s and 1980s, must abide by strict conditions, including not leaving the home at night, and to avoid drugs, alcohol and pornography.
Anyone that sees him violating any conditions is asked to call 911 immediately.
