Surrey RCMP are warning residents to be extra vigilant about their surroundings following a serious assault on a 53-year-old woman on Sunday night.
Police say this attack has similarities to an assault on a woman that occurred in the same area on Dec. 16. Mounties say the motive in the two attacks appears to be similar, but the occurrences have not been definitely linked. Police have not released a lot of information about that assault, but say a woman in her 20s was attacked after getting off a bus at the Newton Exchange near the Newton Recreation Centre. This attack was also random and the woman suffered ‘facial injuries’.
Cpl. Bert Paquet with the Surrey RCMP says they did not send out a warning after the Dec. 16 incident because at that time it did not appear there was a pattern. Now a similar assault has taken place, they are asking the public to be careful and to report any suspicious activity.
“Due to the circumstances of this tragic incident, we are asking the public to be extra vigilant,” says Paquet. “It is important that people are aware of their surroundings when they are out and that they keep their valuables concealed. Walk with a friend whenever possible, particularly after dark.”
Surrey RCMP has put out these tips and reminders:
If you are walking alone:
·Be Aware- Know your surroundings and remove your headphones.
·Trust Your Instincts- If something does not feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
·Walk with Confidence- Keep your head up and know where you are going.
·Only Essentials- Carry only the necessary identification, money, or cards that you need.
·Keep in Touch- Bring your cell phone so you can make emergency calls.
·Stay Visible- Stay in well-lit areas and don’t wear dark clothes at night.
·Keys Ready- Have your car or house keys ready before you reach the door.
Minimize your risk:
- ·Don’t carry large bags or purses
- ·Don’t carry large amounts of cash
- ·Don’t carry important documents like a passport or birth certificate
- ·Don’t make your valuables visible
If you are approached:
If you are approached and verbally threatened or physically assaulted you can avoid further confrontation, by giving the perpetrator all the property they want. Do not fight back. Never engage in an altercation as it increases your chance of getting physically harmed. Although it is not essential, try to observe the perpetrator’s shoes, clothing, or visible markings like scars, tattoos or piercings to help the police in later identifying the suspect. When the robbery has ended and the perpetrator has left, call 911 to report the crime.
IHIT is asking anyone with information or who was in the area of the Newton Arena, Newton bus loop and the Newton Wave pool, between 7:00-11:00 p.m., on Dec. 29 and may have seen any suspicious activities, persons, or vehicle to please call the IHIT Tipline at 1-877-551-4448 by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on their website at Solvecrime.ca.
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