North Vancouver RCMP warning public over possibly linked sexual assaults

North Vancouver RCMP are issuing a public warning over two sexual assault incidents that they believe may be related.

On January 11, 2016, at around 6 p.m., a woman was walking north on the 1700 block of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver when a man in a black hoodie approached her from behind and grabbed her, putting his hand between her legs and groping her.

A similar second incident occurred several days later on January 19 at around 2 a.m. when another woman was walking east on the 100 block of East 15th Street when a man, also in a black hoodie, approached her and grabbed her buttocks.

In each incident, after the women were attacked, the suspect ran off.

Police say the suspect in the first incident was described as a Caucasian in his 30s, medium build, around six feet tall and with dark hair. The suspect in the first incident was described as 5’8″ tall, wearing light coloured jeans, running shoes, and a hoodie with a logo on the back.

“While police cannot confirm definitively that there is a link between these two assaults investigators acknowledge that both incidents took place in the same general area. In view of this the police feel it is appropriate to issue this public warning,” said the RCMP release.

North Vancouver RCMP are now suggesting those walking in North Vancouver should be cautious.

Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. If at all possible travel in pairs, especially if you are out walking late at night, said Insp. Jennifer Hyland, Operations Officer of the North Vancouver RCMP. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.

Police say the investigation into these incidents is a priority and “all available resources” are being used to identify the culprit or culprits.

If you have any information on who might be responsible for these incidents, or if you have seen any suspicious activity in the area, please call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).