Woman receives sexual threats via AirDrop on Surrey bus

A woman travelling on a Surrey bus received multiple threats of sexual violence via AirDrop this week, Metro Vancouver Transit Police say.

Const. Mike Yake said the woman was on a bus that had just departed Newton Exchange with about 15 other passengers on July 14 around 11 pm when she received the threatening messages to her phone via AirDrop.

AirDrop is a function that lets iPhone users share media files with other phones in close proximity. The function can be disabled, but many iPhone users leave it on.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely concerning,” Yake said. “All members of the public have the right to use public transit without fear of assault or harassment.”

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The woman contacted transit police via text message, and officers met with her shortly after. Yake said there will be a thorough investigation.

Anyone who has a similar experience on transit or encounters another threatening scenario can contact transit police by phone at 604-516-7419 or text officers discreetly by messaging 87-77-77.