Police believe suspect in attacks lurks in the woods around Sheridan continued from p.1 Investigators have been receiving tips, but urge the public to call police immediately upon observing suspicious behaviour instead of waiting. Meanwhile, Sheridan has added an ATV and additional security in the wake of the attacks that date back to last summer. The most recent attack took place around 9 p.m. Feb. 6, when a man approached a woman from behind while she was walking along a sidewalk on the north side of the Trafalgar Road. The suspect grabbed the woman's backpack. She screamed and struck the man with her backpack, causing him to run away. He was last seen heading south on Trafalgar Road. Two days earlier, a woman was sexually assaulted as she walked along a wooded path near the college. Investigators believe the two attacks are connected, as well as three others that took place between August-October 2013. Police said the culprit appears to be lurking in the trail system around the college campus. The male suspect is 5-foot-4 to 5-foot-7 with a slim to medium build. He wore a dark jacket with a hood lined with light-coloured material and a dark ski mask over his face. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Police caution people to make personal safety their No. 1 priority. They advise people to let others know their schedule and to check-in upon arrival. Other safety tips include: · Walk in groups, not alone and walk with a purpose. Be attentive to surroundings. · Avoid walking on lonely or unlit streets and taking shortcuts through parks or vacant lots. Walk away from alleys and doorways. · If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest house or store and call the police. Scream if necessary. · When taking public transit, avoid isolated stops. Get an escort to and from the station. 3 | Wednesday, February 12, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Sheridan ramps up security after attacks Sheridan College is ramping up security after two women were attacked in wooded areas near its Trafalgar Road campus this week. This brings the total of women attacked near the college to five since August. Sheridan College Emergency Preparedness, Security and Purchasing Director Michael Burjaw said Sheridan is very concerned about students' safety and has been proactive in taking steps to provide more security. In addition to the six to eight security officers on the campus 24/7, three strictly outdoor security officers were added last week. A security vehicle is also on-site to complement the existing car and ATV used to patrol the nearby wooded trail system, he said. Burjaw said Sheridan is in close contact with the Town of Oakville and Halton police. "We're working on putting a community liaison officer at Sheridan College for students to go to and for staff to go to, to ask any questions about personal safety," he said. "We're also working on a Town hall for (last night) to address our staff and our students about personal safety and the steps we're taking." Burjaw said police presence has increased on campus and additional security cameras and new lighting in wooded areas are coming. "We're encouraging the entire Sheridan community to be aware of these things and use the Safe Walk program available 24/7," he said. Burjaw noted people should always be aware of their surroundings and increase their safety by walking in pairs, walking with purpose and not be distracted by headsets, texting and talking on a cellphone while walking. Boots & Harmony Country Bridal Fair Sunday, June 1st, 2014 Country Heritage Park 8560 Tremaine Road Milton, Ontario 10:00am till 6:00pm Pre-Register and purchase your tickets online and save 20% OFF a pair of tickets, add your Coupon code vip241, or $20 at the door For more information visit Bootsandharmony.ca You're Invited to Halton Ontario's Helping You Make Smart Decisions About Your Money Voted Number 1 Financial Planner 10 Years WINDOWS & DOORS The walls of your home are insulated with fiberglass and so should your windows. Fiberglass windows outlast all other windows. Beauty, Style, Colours and Quality. To purchase direct from the manufacturer and save, Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner Contact us at SINCE 1991 866-566-5656 or info@inlinefiberglass.com www.inlinefiberglass.com 220 Randall Street · Downtown Oakville Phone: 905.842.2100 www.peterwatsoninvestments.com