Vancouver Police are warning the public after three girls in their early teens were touched inappropriately by a stranger. 

All three separate incidents took place in South Vancouver between the hours of 3:30 and 4:00 in the afternoon as the girls were on their way home from school.

The first two incidents took place on April 22nd in the area of 64th Avenue and Victoria Drive.

The third incident took place on April 23rd in the area of East 58th Avenue and Fraser Street. 

The suspect is described as a dark skinned man in his late teens or early twenties of average height and build with short dark hair. He was wearing dark, casual clothing. During the third incident, the suspect was wearing a black hoodie and red sweatpants.
None of the girls were physically hurt in the encounters.

Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at (604) 717-0600 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

Safety Tips

Young Children

  • teach your children that a stranger is anyone they don’t know, and that even someone who is friendly is a stranger; if a stranger touches them or tries to take them somewhere against their will, they should scream, kick, and yell – this applies to people they know, as well, as it is more common for children to be victimized by someone they know than a stranger
  • discuss safety regularly with your children, so they are comfortable with these issues, and know what to do; you want to educate, not scare them
  • it is important to talk to your children without scaring them, or live in fear of people and society; remember that most people are good
  • do not write your child’s name on the outside of clothing or bags; this would allow a stranger to know your child’s name
  • teach your child how and when to dial 9-1-1; your child should also know his or her home address, phone number, and cellular number
  • if your child finds themselves in a dangerous situation, tell them they should yell for help (“This is not my mom / dad!”) and run to a store or to the house of someone they trust; make sure your child knows never to run into a lonely, dark, or uninhabited area

Pre-Teens

  • teach them to never walk or bike alone, day or night – use a buddy system; if they need to use a public restroom, never let them go in alone
  • use the “after dark rule” – when the sun goes down, they come inside
  • if they are approached by a stranger, on foot or in a car, they should keep their distance, and run away if necessary; teach your child which houses in your neighbourhood are safe, and where they can go in case of an emergency
  • teach them to be aware of their surroundings, and if they notice someone following them, they should cross the street, and head for a crowded area, or a house that they know is safe

Teenagers

  • always tell them, or a family member where you will be, and how you can be reached
  • teach them to avoid alleys, poorly lit and lonely or deserted streets
  • know with whom your child keeps company and what they are up to

Find more safety tips here.