'Extremely concerning': Police beef up presence in busy Burnaby park after indecent acts
For the second time in less than six months, police have launched an investigation into an “extremely concerning” series of indecent acts that took place in a popular Burnaby park.
The Burnaby RCMP made the announcement after three separate reports of indecent acts in Central Park over the past week.
Each reported incident involved a male suspect who “engaged in an indecent act” in different areas of the park on July 5, 6, and 9.
Burnaby RCMP
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“The reported acts took place at different times of day, and ranged from the suspect exposing himself, to masturbating in public,” said Burnaby RCMP in a release.
Investigators are working to identify a suspect or suspects as well as ascertain if any of the incidents are connected.
Officers are also collecting further evidence, including conducting interviews and obtaining security camera video.
“These types of incidents are extremely concerning for police and the public,” said Burnaby RCMP Media Relations Officer Michael Kalanj in a statement. “We want to ensure that people are informed, so they remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions, including staying aware of their surroundings.
“We also want to strongly encourage people to contact police immediately to report any similar incidents or suspicious behaviour.”
The detachment added that it will be conducting enhanced patrols in the area of Central Park in the coming days, with residents and visitors warned of an increased police presence.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Earlier this year, Burnaby RCMP’s High Risk Offender Unit launched an investigation after a concerning series of indecent acts were reported to have taken place in a busy local park and along a trail in the city.
According to police, five incidents were reported over a five-day period, from Thursday, Jan. 15, to Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Each reported incident involved a man who was “committing indecent acts ranging from public nudity to masturbation.”
In February, Burnaby RCMP searched for a suspect after a woman was violently assaulted while walking in Lobley Park.
Burnaby RCMP also urged the public to be aware of their surroundings after a woman was violently assaulted while on an evening walk earlier in June.
Police say the incident happened around 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, near Stride Avenue and Griffiths Drive in South Burnaby.
The victim was grabbed from behind by the assailant, who “hugged her, causing her to fall to the ground.”