Community Safety Alert

Peel - Peel Regional Police are issuing a community safety alert to all residents. A recent sexual assault in Brampton on Friday, February 11, 2005, may possibly have been committed by the same individual responsible for three indecent acts and one sexual assault since 2001, which have been linked through a DNA match.

Investigators with the Peel Regional Police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau are currently investigating the sexual assault of a 16 year-old girl that occurred on Friday, February 11, 2005, at approximately 7:35 p.m., in the area of Balmoral Drive and Cloverdale Drive, Brampton.

At this time, the victim was walking behind a church on a pathway when she was approached by the culprit, who brandished a firearm and forcefully pulled the victim behind a tree where she was sexually assaulted.

The culprit is described as male, slight build, unknown age, wearing dark clothing and a balaclava covering his face. This assault is similar to a prior sexual assault currently being investigated dating back to the summer of 2004.

On Monday, July 12, 2004, at 9:40 p.m., a 20-year-old female was waiting for a transit bus at the corner of McLaughlin Road and Ceremonial Drive, when she was approached by the suspect. The suspect threatened the woman with a firearm and ordered her to a nearby wooded area where she was sexually assaulted. The culprit then fled on foot, and the victim ran to a nearby friend's residence and contacted police.

Chief Noel P. Catney would like to reassure the citizens of the Region of Peel that public safety and security is the highest priority of Peel Regional Police and encourages all citizens to be vigilant for their personal safety, their family safety and the well-being of others.

Peel Regional Police want to encourage all members of the public to visit the Peel Regional Police website and view the Community Safety Alert for personal safety tips which could assist in minimizing the risk of being victimized.

The Peel Regional Police feel it is prudent for the public to review the following information which they believe will improve personal safety.

On the Street:

• Walk assertively.
• Vary your routine.
• Avoid being alone if you can.
• Plan your route and avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots or unlit areas.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.

If you're being followed on foot:

• Seek a place of safety to find other people.
• Disrupt the plans of a potential offender by selecting a favourable spot to turn around and shout in a loud voice "are you following me?"
• If you're being pursued in a populated hallway, yell to attract attention.
• Report your suspicions to Police.

Elevators:

• Stand to one side of the doors.
• If you feel in doubt concerning people on an elevator, do not get on, wait for the next one.
• Once inside, stand near the control panel.
• Depress multiple floor numbers for quick escape.

Be Ready:

• Have your keys ready, to avoid lingering while searching for them.
• Take a look around as you approach your vehicle or a building entrance at any time of the day or night.

Building Security:

• Never open a locked or access-controlled door for a stranger.
• Always ensure that a door latches properly after exiting.
• Never prop open doors.

Public Transportation:

• Be aware of suspicious people in public transportation areas.
• Know the schedules and sit near the driver.
• Use caution in conversation with strangers. Avoid clothing or items that identify you or your profession.
• During the evenings, ask the driver to let you off near your destination.
• Have someone meet you at your stop.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3640, or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS/8477.