Langley RCMP are urging residents to be vigilant after a woman was grabbed from behind as she was putting out the trash around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in Aldergrove.

"She was grabbed from behind and she was forcibly taken into her own residence and once inside she was sexually assaulted," said Cpl. Holly Largy with the Langley RCMP.

Police say the attacker took bedding from the woman's bedroom, along with her purse, which is described as grey with silver trimmings.

Officers are withholding personal information about the woman to protect her identity but say she was taken to the hospital where forensic evidence was collected.

'Now everyone will be on edge'

"Quite obviously she is traumatized both physically and emotionally. We have our victim services people working with her to support her and will continue to do so, as we go through the long process of this investigation," said Largy.

Officers are canvassing the neighbourhood and asking residents to report any suspicious activity following this "alarming and quite disturbing" crime.

"It's all about safety and security of people living within the community. Unfortunately, now everyone will be on edge.

"We are asking them to remain vigilant and be very cognizant of their surroundings and always report if they see any individual in their neighbourhood they believe is suspicious, so hopefully we can find a way to identify this individual and make an arrest," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Langley RCMP detachment at 604-532-3398.