Suspect has been standing in front of windows to homes and businesses, illuminating his privates to women

'Sometimes these crimes can escalate and are a stepping stone to more serious crimes,' say police of indecent acts

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver police are warning you about a man who has been exposing himself to women in homes and businesses in the Mount Pleasant area of the city.

All of the incidents happened between midnight and 1 a.m. in the area of Main St. and East 15 St.

“These are all happening at ground-floor windows,” says Sgt. Jason Robillard. “The suspect is choosing either a residential or business window to peer into… In all four instances, the suspect was illuminating himself with either a flashlight or cell phone.”

“This suspect has targeted windows where he has a clear view of a female inside the window,” he adds.

The first incident happened at around 1 a.m. on May 19.

Two other cases were reported on June 19. The first one happened just after midnight at Quebec St. and E. 15th Ave., and the second occurred just 25 minutes later a block away, near Main St..

The most recent incident happened on July 15 just after midnight near Quebec St. and East 15 St.

In each case, the suspect ran away once he was noticed.

“Sometimes these crimes can escalate and are a stepping stone to more serious crimes”

The suspect is described as a white man in his 30’s. He’s believed to be 5’8″ with a medium to heavy build. He has light coloured hair on his legs. In each incident, he was wearing either a hat or hoodie, pants or shorts, and a jacket or sweatshirt.

Police believe the suspect may live in the Mount Pleasant area.

A couple of hours after the incident on May 19, a man with a similar description was seen facing a ground floor window near Knight St. and Kingsway, also committing an indecent act. Although he was not using any light and this did not happen in the Mount Pleasant area, police believe this incident may also be linked to the others.

“Sometimes these crimes can escalate and are a stepping stone to more serious crimes,” says Robillard

Police are asking people in Mount Pleasant to be careful.

“Be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour,” says Robillard. “Just call 9-1-1 if you see somebody lurking around or anything suspicious in the area.”

“We’re also asking people, especially in ground-floor apartments, to consider closing your blinds at night. That may help.”

Police believe there may be more incidents that have not yet been reported to police. If you have any information, you’re asked to call the VPD tip line at 604-717-0604 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-8477.

– With files from Sonia Aslam