Women warned about flasher in Mount Pleasant neighbourhood

Vancouver police are searching for a suspect in Mount Pleasant who is alleged to be flashing women.

According to police, several incidents have been reported and it’s possible there are more that have gone unreported.

In each instance, the suspect chose ground-floor homes or businesses where a woman could be spotted through a window. The suspect would then shine a flashlight or a cellphone on himself while exposing his genitals and performing an indecent act.

“We are asking residents in Mount Pleasant to take safety precautions and be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour. If you are outdoors after midnight, always carry a cellphone and walk with a group or at least one other person,” said Sgt. Jason Robillard.

“Consider closing your blinds at night, and call 911 if you see suspicious behaviour.”

The offences all took place between midnight and 1 a.m. within the same area, leading investigators to believe the suspect may live in the Mount Pleasant area. To date, police believe there are five incidents involving the same man:

Two incidents May 19, just after 1 a.m., one near Main Street and East 15th Avenue, and one near Knight Street and Kingsway.

Two incidents June 19, just after midnight, one at Quebec Street and East 15th Avenue, the other at Main Street and East 15th Avenue.

One incident on July 15, just after midnight near Quebec Street and East 15th Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, about five foot eight, with a medium to heavy build. He has light-coloured hair on his legs, and in each case he was wearing a hat or hoodie. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 604-717-0604.