The Vancouver Police Department is issuing a public warning following a series of attacks against older Asian women.

According to police, the attacks took place in the South Granville, Oak, and Cambie neighbourhoods.

A VPD news release, issued today (October 6), describes the incidents:

The first incident occurred on the morning of April 20th, when an elderly Asian woman was walking in the area of Oak Street and West 55th Avenue. She was approached from behind and groped. When the man walked away, the woman continued on her way home. The man then appeared a second time and touched her inappropriately once again. When the woman screamed, he casually walked off.

The second incident took place on the morning of June 17th. An elderly Asian woman was walking her dog near West 30th Avenue and Granville Street when a man approached her from behind and struck her violently between the legs.

The third and most recent incident took place on the morning of Friday, October 3rd. A middle-aged Asian woman was walking in the area on West 64th Avenue between Granville and Oak Street when she was approached from behind and groped. The man walked away, and the woman followed him. She confronted her attacker, who then punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground, before walking away. She was taken to hospital for treatment of minor physical injuries.

Police describe the suspect as a man who is "white, 35 to 40 years old, 5’10” tall, with a medium build, wearing a dark clothing".

"None of the three women knew their attacker and they have all suffered significant emotional distress in the attacks," the VPD states.

The sex crimes unit is investigating the incidents. Police are asking anyone with relevant information to call investigators at 604-717-2602 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.