Abbotsford Police are issuing a public warning following a rash of sexual attacks on woman walking in the city. Police have received seven separate complaints – three in the last two days – of women being groped by a man who then flees on foot.

In all but one case, the victims were walking alone when they were approached by a man who grabbed at their chest area or smacked them on the behind.

In one instance the man flashed the victim.

“We’re treating these incidents as sexually motivated attacks, and we are concerned [the suspect’s] behaviour may escalate into something more,” said Const. Casey Vinet.

Police have not ruled out the possibility there is more than one suspect, but do believe one person is responsible for at least four of the attacks.

“We have two detectives working full time trying to identify a suspect, and all our officers are on the lookout for this guy,” said Vinet.

The first attack took place Sept. 19, but it was only with the spate of recent assaults that police became more confident they were dealing with the same suspect, said Vinet.

The attacks have all occurred during daylight hours, but police warn they could happen anywhere at anytime. 

The victims range in age from mid-teens to a woman in her forties.

The incidents took place throughout the city.

Two attacks occurred within two hours of one another on the grounds of Abbotsford Exhibition Park.

Two others took place in Fishtrap Creek Park at Old Yale and MacLure roads.

The remaining assaults took place in a subdivision east of Rotary Stadium, on South Fraser Way near the courthouse and on Eagle Mountain Drive.

Most of the attacks took place within a one kilometre radius, said Vinet.

He said investigators believe there could be other victims.

“It’s very likely a number of incidents have gone unreported, so we’re asking any other victims to come forward,” said Vinet.

The suspect is described as a clean shaven Caucasian man in his late teens or early twenties, with a slim to medium build and short blonde or light brown hair.

The victims we all approached from behind when they were walking, said Vinet.

“If you find yourself being attacked, you want to make as much noise as possible to scare off the suspect or attract attention,” he said.

Police are recommending the following when walking alone:

n Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

n Eliminate distractions like portable music players.

n Plan your route to avoid isolated areas.

n Cross the street if you are being followed and walk to a public area where you can been seen and heard.

n Carry a whistle or personal alarm and know how to activate it.

Anyone with any information on the attacks is asked to call Det. Parker at 604-864-4735 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.