A 74-year-old Devonshire woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault in her home on Monday at about 11 p.m.

The assault happened when a man broke into her Loyal Hill home and demanded money. After receiving and undisclosed amount of cash, the man raped the elderly woman.

The sex predator is described as being in his mid-to-late 30s, dark skinned, five-foot nine-inches tall, thinly built and with short locks or twists.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines last night urged women to exercise vigilance and to keep all doors and windows locked, and not to depend on a locked screen door or window. He also recommended that all air conditioners be fitted securely.

Mr. Caines said residents need to be aware of people acting suspiciously, and to make a good description - focussing on what is unique about the person and to call the Police. He also recommended residents leave a light on and not open their doors to persons unknown.

The Women's Resource Centre's director of counselling, Sharon Apopa said: "I cannot speak about this case directly, but I will say that it seems like an opportunity rapist, he broke into the house for money and then in taking advantage of the situation decided to rape her."

Ms Apopa added that at this time of year women do not take as many precautions as they normally would. She suggested women vary their movements and not to have a set pattern.

Police are appealing for witnesses that might have seen anyone fitting the description in the Loyal Hill or Foothills Road area to contact Acting Inspector Kevin Christopher on 295-0011 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.