Two incidents of inappropriate touching raises concerns

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: CREATAS / THINKSTOCK
Never get into a vehicle if you do not know the driver or you do not know what company they work for.

The London Police Service (LPS) sent out a press release last week regarding two cases of women being inappropriately touched.

Early in the morning on Sunday, March 6, two women in were inappropriately touched within about an hour of each other in two different incidents in the downtown area.

The women were touched while taking a ride in what they were told by the driver was an unmarked cab.

The first incident occurred around 1 a.m. The suspect is described in the press release as “male with a tanned complexion and a slight accent, 50 to 60-years-old, with short white/grey hair, scruffy facial hair and wearing thin squareframed glasses.” The vehicle is described as a beige or grey SUV, possibly a Toyota.

The second incident occurred just before 2 a.m. The suspect is described in the press release as “male in his mid 20s, possibly of middle-eastern descent, approximately 5’8 (173 cm) with a slim to medium build, clean shaven with black hair.” The vehicle is described as a four-door black sedan with leather interior.

Sandasha Bough, the corporate communications and public relations officer with the LPS, could not provide any more details about the incidents because the investigations are still underway. Based on the evidence, the LPS is investigating these cases as sexual assault cases.

“Any type of touching that is unwanted or sexual in nature is considered inappropriate and could be construed as a sexual assault,” Bough said. “I can tell you that both of these females were assaulted.”

Bough had some advice for those travelling at night.

“With any taxis or any type of transportation, make sure you know who you’re getting a ride from, whether that’s by asking them or by getting into a vehicle that’s marked so you know exactly what company it’s with… Don’t ever get into a vehicle that’s unfamiliar to you,” she said.

The press release adds that anyone with information in relation to this incident should called the LPS at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Information can also be sent in anonymously at londoncrimestoppers.com.