If you're female and you're walking along Yorkton streets you're asked to do so with caution.
Over the past couple of weeks there has been three abduction attempts and RCMP are urging residents to be careful.
Members of the Yorkton Municipal Detachment along with the Yorkton District General Investigative Section are continuing to investigate the three incidents and they are asking the public's assistance.
The suspect vehicle in each of these occurrences is described as a newer model, dark colored, four door, truck. The truck, at the time of each occurrence, was very clean and appeared to have been recently washed. There was also no notable damages to the truck's exterior.
In each of these three happenings, the male has asked each of the victims for directions and has appeared to be very anxious and nervous.
All three victims were not injured in any of the incidents.
The male suspect is described as being 24-30 years old, 5'6" to 5'10" tall, with average to medium build. He has a round face, short dark hair and is very "clean cut." He was last seen wearing a dark colored leather jacket and/or "hoodie," jeans and running shoes. The male was also detected wearing a slight odor of cologne.
"The first incident happened on March 19. A 15 year old girl was approached in front of the SIGN Building on Broadway. Then again on the 29th of March we had a 21 year old who was approached on North Street at 6 p.m. On the 30th we had another female victim. She is also 21 and was approached while she walked to work on Laurier," details Sgt. James Morton, Yorkton GIS.
This particular incident was more dangerous, with the suspect wielding a knife and forcing the woman into his truck.
"He grabbed her, pulled her into his truck. She managed to talk her way out of it. She got out of the vehicle and ran to safety and called 911."
It was after this report, that police received calls from the other two victims.
At this point in time says Morton, RCMP are following all leads and not ruling anything out. Composite sketches and the information at hand would indicate there is just one suspect.
As a public safety warning, police are urging that young women protect themselves when walking alone in the city and ensure that they have safety in numbers. "Carry a cell phone and be aware of your surroundings at all times," says Morton. "Like in any city, Yorkton is not immune to these types of things... If a stranger is pulling up or trying to talk to you just keep walking. Go some place where you know somebody is at, even if it's a strangers house, knock on the door so you know you have some other attention."
Time of day does not matter adds Morton, as he says things can happen at anytime. "If you're alone you are vulnerable. It's no different in this city or any town. It can happen anywhere."
RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in obtaining any information in relation to this incident. Anyone who has information is advised to call police. The public can contact the Yorkton RCMP at 306-786-2404 or if you wish to remain anonymous, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, *8477 on Sask-Tel Mobility, text TIP206 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com where you can also view information on other unsolved crimes.
