The Calgary Police Are Warning Women About Walking Alone After 15 Recent Groping Assaults
Local law enforcement has issued a warning after a string of Calgary assaults in which women have been groped while walking alone.
There have been 15 reported incidents since the start of November 2020 in both downtown and north-central Calgary, according to a news release from the City.
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While walking alone the women were approached from behind by a man and grabbed in a sexual manner.
The City of Calgary
"In some of the incidents, the assailant appeared to look for opportunities in which the victims were distracted, either by a device, or during moments when their situational awareness was lowered, such as looking in a bag," the release continues, adding that the man flees quickly after.
Police are working to confirm if the reports are connected to the same man, though descriptions of the suspect have varied.
Calgary Police are calling for increased awareness for women walking alone.
In addition, the City of Calgary has shared a list of "safety tips" including:
- Walking with others in well-populated areas
- Staying in well-lit areas
- Being extra aware of your surroundings by limiting the use of devices
- Not carrying too much in your arms to reduce your vulnerability
If you are attacked, police advise that you:
- Make lots of noise to attract attention
- Don't try to hold onto your things, even if they're valuable
- Take note of what the attacker looks like
- Call 911 immediately
"Under the Criminal Code of Canada, groping is classified as a sexual assault and upon conviction can be subject to jail time," writes the City of Calgary.