Women are being warned to stay alert after a man has been seen exposing himself in the Southall area.
It is believed the man, who is described as being Asian and aged between 18-30, is responsible for four offences of indecent exposure in the last two months.
In one incident on Monday, September 15 at 8.30pm, a 50-year-old woman was walking along Lonsdale Road when a man appeared from behind and exposed himself to her.
Another offence took place on Thursday, September 11 at 8.10am, in Clarence Street. An 11-year-old school girl was on her way to school when she saw a man on a bike exposing himself.
On Friday, August 29 at 11am, a 50-year-old female was walking along Derley Road when the suspect called out to her. The victim turned to see the suspect on a bike exposing himself.
On Friday, August 15 at 8.55am, A 30-year-old female was walking along Merrick Road when the suspect came cycling towards her exposing himself.
In each case women have been targeted, leaving them shocked and upset. The suspect in each case has been described as an Asian male between 18-30 years of age. No arrests have been made.
Police are carrying out extra patrols in the area to try and prevent further incidents and identify the suspect. DC Andy Cresswell, from Ealing CID said: "I am appealing for witnesses and information in relation to a series of indecent exposures that have taken place in the Southall Area."
If anyone believes they have any information about any similar incidents, they are asked to contact police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police in Ealing offer the below crime prevention advice:
Be assertive - When you’re out and about look purposeful. Assertiveness in the way you behave reduces any perceived vulnerability.
Trust your instincts - They are there to warn you of potential risks, eg avoid short cuts down alleys and across parks and move away from suspicious people. Have faith in your intuition and act on it.
Be aware - Using a mobile phone, wearing a hood and loud personal music all affect your awareness of the surroundings. Don’t draw attention to your valuables (eg mobile phone, jewellery).
Be alert - Alcohol and drugs will reduce inhibitions and reaction times and will also make it harder to assess risk and take effective steps to cope with them.
Safety in numbers - Try to travel with people you know. When you can, stick to routes where other people are and avoid short cuts in lonely places.
If you are approached and feel threatened and cannot immediately move away be vocal and try to alert and involve others around you. Feel confident and assertive enough to say “Don’t touch me”, “No”, “Stop”, “Go Away”.
