Police Seek Public Help in Valley Molester Hunt : Crime: Volunteers will pass out 100,000 leaflets this weekend. Officers say the search is the largest since the Night Stalker case.

Frustrated Los Angeles police on Friday stepped up their manhunt for a serial child molester stalking San Fernando Valley schoolchildren, asking for weekend volunteers to help pass out 100,000 leaflets to homes near Valley schools.

Police, who convened a meeting of department and outside experts Friday, said the investigation involves the largest deployment of officers since the Night Stalker and Hillside Strangler murder cases.

“There is a full commitment to this,” said Lt. John Dunkin, one of several Downtown police spokesmen temporarily assigned to the department’s Valley headquarters. “I can’t remember the last time we had this many people committed to one series of crimes, except maybe the Night Stalker case.”

Since the molester’s activities were first made public in mid-November, more than 100 officers and dozens of detectives have been deployed, police said.

Authorities hope someone will recognize the suspect from three composite sketches on the leaflets. The flyers, which will be distributed around the Valley’s schools, of which there are about 140, also contain descriptions of the suspect’s crimes, his method of operation and telephone numbers that people can call if they have information about the case.

“We’re frustrated that children continue to be victimized,” Dunkin said. “This guy is out there, and someone knows him.”

The police spokesman said they are using tactics that have worked in the past. “When we look back at all of our successes--the Hillside Strangler, the Night Stalker--we have success when the community is informed,” Dunkin said.

The suspect is described as an African American man, 35 to 45 years old, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. His hairline may be receding, and some victims have said he has a slight beard. He also has been seen driving a Burgundy-colored, American-made sedan, possibly a Cadillac, police have said.

Those wishing to help in the leafleting effort should report to any of the five Valley police stations today or Sunday, preferably before 8 a.m., police said.

The facilities are: Van Nuys Station, 6240 Sylmar Ave.; West Valley Station, 19020 Vanowen St., Reseda; Devonshire Station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge; Foothill Station, 12760 Osborne St., Pacoima; and North Hollywood Station, 11480 Tiara St.

Police believe the molester has stalked at least 32 young schoolgirls and boys since February, molesting many of them. In one case, a 9-year-old Canoga Park girl was raped on her way to school.

Authorities this week announced a toll-free number for people to call with tips, (800) 757-2489. The number is in service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. At other times, people with information can call police headquarters at (213) 485-3261. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the molester.