West Vancouver Police - Personal Safety Tips

On November 21, 2011, at 6:36 p.m. a 16-year-old female was waiting for a bus in the 2500-block of Marine Drive. A male, described as chubby, possibly 35-years-old, balding dark hair, pale skin with rosy cheeks, approached her and asked if he could give her a hug, shake her hand, what bus she was waiting for, and if she was a home-stay student. The female felt uncomfortable with the line of questioning and called WV Police. Police attended but were unable to locate the male.

Personal Safety Tips:

Bring a cell phone along if you have one - you can always call for help without having to look for a phone.
Stay alert, stand tall and be confident - attackers are more likely to molest a person who appears uncertain or afraid.
Use well-lit streets, stay to the middle of the sidewalk and avoid alleyways.
Approach shadowy doorways, shrubbery, or anything that someone could hide behind with extra caution.
If you feel uneasy walking alone, find someone you know who will go out with you, or plan your route along busy streets so that there are always people around you.
If you think someone is following you, cross the street and turn to walk in the opposite direction to get a good look at them. Then go find the nearest place to alert the authorities.
If you think a car is following you, immediately do a u-turn, take note of the driver and license plate number, continue to walk in the opposite direction and call the authorities from the nearest possible location.
Carry a whistle or personal safety alarm so you can alert others if need be.
If you are verbally harassed, do not respond, keep walking and notify the nearest authority.
Try to remember details about the person’s appearance, such as their clothing, height, age, hair or eye colour, or any tattoos or scars.
Report the incident immediately - the details are fresher in your mind and the police have a better chance of catching the offender in the area.
 

For additional information on personal safety tips, contact your local Police Department, for WV residents please call 604-925-7300.