CLINTON - Better put a lock on your underwear drawer: Clinton police are looking for a man who has been stealing panties.

Five pairs of underwear - "skimpy, thong underwear is all they are taking" - have been stolen from Clinton houses in the last two months, said Police Chief Mike Reidy.

In several cases, the man stole the panties while someone was at home. One time, a man confronted the thief.

"There was a tussle and we tracked him for awhile but lost him," Reidy said.

The thief is described as a thin young man with short brown hair. He's about 5 feet 7 inches tall.

No weapon has been displayed during the thefts, but police urge residents to take the incidents 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," said Reidy.

The thief may be mentally ill, Reidy said.

Reidy cautioned residents to avoid a confrontation if they see the thief. "They should call 911. If they hear something, they need to call us before they do anything," he said.