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According to a report by Halifax Regional Police, a male intruder entered the Wellington Street residence of three young women at about 3:30 a.m. early Sunday morning. Once inside, he went into three separate bedrooms where the women were sleeping. The report notes assaults of two of the women consisting of “inappropriate touching of a sexual nature.”
The incident was reported to police on Sunday afternoon. It is believed the suspect entered the apartment by removing a screen to an open window.
Police investigators are attempting to determine if the intruder is the same man who has entered other women’s apartments in the south-end of Halifax and watched them as they slept. There have been at about 15 cases in the neighbourhoods near Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s over the past two years. The last reported incidents happened on Chestnut Street in June, and before that, on Edinburgh Street in May.
“I don’t want to give the impression that if you’re outside this block bordered by Oxford, Quinpool, Robie and Coburg Streets, that you’re safe,” says Constable Brian Palmeter, public information officer for the Halifax Regional Police. “But this perpetrator does seem to be targeting university-aged females who live near the universities.”
In the latest case, the suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 25 years old, 5'10" tall, with a medium build with dark hair. On the night in question, he was wearing blue jeans, a grey sweater and a neck warmer was covering his face.
It’s been difficult to get a more detailed description. “What makes it difficult ... is that the victims have been awoken out of a deep sleep and it’s dark,” says Const. Palmeter.
Students living off campus are reminded of the importance of keeping doors and windows locked, including those located off a fire escape, says Mr. Burns, who also provides these other security tips:
- All windows should be secured with anti-slide devices;
- Secure sliding glass doors with a lock or bar, or place a piece of wood or broom handle in the track;
- Never leave a house key hidden outside your home;
- Do not put your name on the outside of your residence mailbox and do not leave notes on outside doors;
- Exercise vigilance in your activities and be aware of your surroundings at all times;
- Make use of the Tiger Shuttle Bus Service which operates from 6:15 p.m. to midnight nightly. This schedule for this service can be viewed at http://fm.dal.ca/tigerbus.htm ;
- Make use of the Tiger Patrol, a student-staffed, walk-home on university property. The service is available between 6 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., from early September to late April, each year, while classes are in session;
- Travel with a partner – there is safety in numbers.
Anyone who has information about the latest incident, or any similar incidents, are urged to contact Halifax Regional Police (490-5016), Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477), or Dalhousie Security (494-6400).