Vancouver police concerned for potential lookalike of serial rapist Larry Takahashi

Alleged sightings of a high-risk sex offender known as the "balaclava rapist" in East Vancouver are not true, said Vancouver Police, following media reports of Larry Takahashi getting on a bus and walking in the neighbourhood.

Takahashi is living in a halfway house in Vancouver, and police have warned he poses a "risk ofsignificant harm to the safety of teenage and adult females in the City of Vancouver."

His location is not being disclosed by authorities, but Vancouver police said Tuesday he has not left the halfway house.

"This is his choice. While he is allowed to leave his halfway house within his curfew, he has not left," said Const. Brian Montague.

Takahashi, now 63, was originally charged with 70 sexual offences against victims, whichincluded pregnant women and university students in Edmonton. He is on day parole serving three consecutive life sentences for crimes including rape, forcible confinement and sexual assault with a weapon.

Lookalike spotted?

Police have warned the public to be vigilant if they spot Takahashi violating the conditions of his day parole, but today Montague said police are worried an innocent lookalike could get targeted.

"We are concerned that someone who may resemble Mr. Takahashi may wind up in a situation that we don't want them in," said Montague.

If a member of the public sees someone they believe is Takahashi violating his conditions, police want to know with a phone call.

"We don't want people taking matters into their own hands," said Montague.

"We want to assure people that we are monitoring Mr. Takahashi ... If they're concerned about something they need to pick up the phone and call 911."

Takahashi has several conditions to his release, including:

• Must avoid any college or university residential area.
• Prohibited from using drugs, alcohol, pornography or computers.
• Must remain in the City of Vancouver.
• Must not take female passengers when driving.
• Must be in his halfway house between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. every night, except for work-related reasons.

Takahashi is Asian, five feet nine inches, 154 pounds, with short grey hair and brown eyes. He normally wears prescription glasses.