Warning issued after 2 women attacked on Vancouver's west side - Action News
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British Columbia

Warning issued after 2 women attacked on Vancouver's west side

Vancouver Police are warning local women to be aware of their surroundings when travelling alone after two seemingly random attacks on the west side of the city.

Both attacks appeared to be sexually motivated, police say

Vancouver Police are warning local women to be aware of their surroundings when travelling alone after two seemingly random attacks on the west side of the city.

A 37-year-old woman was attacked by a stranger in the 6th Avenue and Moberley Street area in the early morning hours on Saturday.

The following evening, a 20-year-old woman was assaulted on Dunbar Street. She managed to fight off the attacker, who fled south on Dunbar.

Both attacks appeared to be sexually motivated, police said.

It's unusual for attacks on strangersto occur in such a short period of time, but that does not mean the incidents are related, police said.

Anyone with tips about either attack is asked to call the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers.

VPD's Personal Safety Tips

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Using earphones make it hard to be fully aware of an attacker approaching.
  • Stay alert and walk with a sense of purpose. Attackers are more likely to target a person who appears uncertain or afraid.
  • Walk with a friend, used well-lit streets, stay to the middle of the sidewalk and avoid alleyways.
  • If you think someone is following you, cross the street and turn to walk in the opposite direction to get a good look at them and then go find the nearest place to callpolice.
  • If you think a car is following you, immediately turn around and walk the other way, take note of the driver and licence plate number and call police.

(Source: Vancouver Police Department)