Peel Region police from Division 11 are ramping up their surveillance and community patrols in the wake of ongoing sex assaults in Meadowvale.
The assaults have been occurring around the Lake Wabukayne Park trails, where a man is grabbing women and then fleeing. Four such attacks have occurred in recent months and to date the man has not been caught.
“Victims using the trail in the area of the tunnnel bridge near Glen Erin Drive north of Windwood Drive, were approached by an unknown suspect who grabbed them without provocation,” a Peel Regional Police release explains. “The victims did not require medical attention.”
City councillor Martin Reid has been updating residents on social media and encouraging the community to “remain vigilant”.
“I’ve been in contact with Peel Police, and they have mobilized a team to continue their investigation regarding the individual they are seeking in the Glen Erin area,” Councillor Reid wrote. “Police presence has increased — you may see officers on bikes and conducting door-to-door canvassing as part of their efforts.”
Officers have been leaving literature at homes asking for anyone with dash cams or security camera footage of the suspect to contact them. They specifically mention Monday Aug. 4,near the area of Glen Erin Drive and Windwood Drive, as the date and area of concern. “The suspect is described to be a male, approximately 5’8” to 6’2”, thin build, wearing blue shorts and a grey hooded sweatshirt.
“So many of us use that trail,” one area woman wrote on a community Facebook page, where residents voiced their concerns.
“I have two daughters and I want them to be safe,” wrote one man.
Councillor Reid told MPulse that while he is working hard with police to tackle the issue, he wanted to stress that Meadowvale remains a safe area.
“I’m putting a lot of sense of urgency into this,” Councillor Reid told MPulse, “but in the grand scheme of things Meadowvale is a very safe community.”
“I think the residents see that we’re putting a lot of effort into this,” he added.
Councillor Reid also notes that it is their hope that the extra enforcement and canvassing has made it clear to the culprit that the neighbourhood is now watching and while they remain committed to catching the guy, they also hope their actions deter him from committing the assaults again.
In July, Councillor Reid held a community safety town hall, where the guests included the local MP, MPP and provincial minister Zee Hamid, who serves as the Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform.
“I had the fortunate opportunity to have everyone in the same room at the same time so no one could point a finger at anyone else,” Coun. Reid said, describing the meeting as a productive one about tackling crime.
Police offer the following advice concerning the recent assaults: “Peel Regional Police encourage pedestrians to always be aware of their surroundings, limit use of headphones, and if possible travel with a companion.”
Residents are encouraged to call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with any information about this case.
