Langley RCMP are putting their entire force on alert during the search for a sexual predator that investigators believe has attacked two young women this summer.

The two attacks, in June and August, took place in different parts of Langley, but the victims described strikingly similar men.

Now investigators are working their way through every tip they received, with more than 100 after the first incident and about 60 after the second, said Cpl. Holly Marks, spokesperson for the Langley RCMP. Officers from every section of the detachment are working on the case, and every officer on the street has studied the witness sketches and is on the lookout for the suspect, said Marks.

With tips flooding in, the police have compiled a list of possible traits and characteristics, created by the RCMP’s Behavioural Sciences Group, based on the attacker’s actions.

They are also asking the public to keep several facts in mind, which might help identify the man.

– The suspect is likely someone familiar with the Langley area. He may live here now, lived her in the past, or is a regular visitor, said Marks.

– The suspect may have changed his appearance. This could mean a removal of some or all facial or head hair as well as dyeing it. Someone who resembles the sketch but has suddenly changed their look may be worth consideration as a suspect, Marks said.

– In the first incident, the man was driving a small, newer model hatchback. In the second, he was using a bicycle. He may not own either vehicle; it is only important that he has access to them.
– He may have suddenly left town. The suspect may have suddenly departed on an unplanned trip.

– Finally, there may have been other incidents involving the man that have not been reported to the police. Marks said anyone who may have been involved in such an incident should call the police, as they may have the missing piece of evidence.

“This event may have even seemed insignificant to you at the time, but after seeing the sketch, you now wonder if you were very fortunate that day,” Marks said.

The first attack took place on June 22, when a 16-year-old girl was abducted from a Brookswood bus stop, driven to a church parking lot on 56th Avenue, and sexually assaulted and threatened with a knife.

On Aug. 20, a 19-year-old woman was walking in Douglas Park when she was attacked from behind, pushed to the ground, and threatened with a knife. The attacker assaulted her and took her purse and iPod, fleeing on a bicycle. He appeared to be wearing swimming goggles during the attack.

The man is described as Caucasian, about 50 years old, 6’0″, with a heavy build, balding with grey-blond hair, and a full beard. He was wearing a blue-grey shirt and pants, and sunglasses during the first attack.

Anyone with information that could assist police in any way should call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. Should you need to remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or visit www.solvecrime.ca, www.facebook.com/metrovancouvercrimestoppers, or text your information starting with BCTIP to CRIMES (274637).