BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - Birmingham police say a  woman was sexually assaulted and stabbed in her apartment early Wednesday morning. Her attacker is suspected of committing two earlier burglaries that morning.

The assault happened in the 3000 block of 13th Avenue South in Birmingham

"He scaled the balcony of one apartment and went through the patio door where he sexually assaulted the victim there and he cut her about the throat and stabbed her in the abdomen before he left," said Sgt. Johnny Williams, Birmingham Police Department. "He knew someone was there because when they arrived. He didn't try to leave and he did attack in two different locations so he's very dangerous and we're hoping someone knows who this guy is and can help us identify him and get him off the street."
 
Police want you to be aware of this attack and take every precaution possible.  If you don't have an alarm, there are things you can do to make your property more secure. 
Registered Locksmith Jarrod Conner says a door lock can be strengthened with a simple steel panel that screws onto the side of a door. When installing a door lock, using longer screws to secure it to the door frame can also strengthen it.
 
For sliding glass doors, a bar or a broomstick in the floor track may buy you precious time against an intruder.

 "Every second counts. Any type security device you can use to slow that perpetrator down," said Sgt. Johnnie Williams.

The victim is being treated for her injuries at U.A.B. Hospital. Police have no suspects and have made no arrests. Investigators are looking for a man in his twenties about 5’8, 180 pounds. He was wearing a red shirt and red hat and might have been spotted in the area before the attacks. If you have any information about this case, call the Birmingham police department at 254-1764.