Police warn high-risk sex offender living in Surrey poses ‘significant’ threat to women, children

Police in Surrey are warning the public about a high-risk sex offender who poses a significant threat to women and children.

Police in Surrey are warning the public about a sex offender who is believed to pose a “significant” risk to women and children and will be residing in the community.

In a news release Friday, the Surrey Police Service said 58-year-old Marinus Willemse has been designated a high-risk sex offender.

Willemse is described as a 5’11” white man, weighing approximately 225 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police said Willemse is subject to numerous court-ordered conditions, including the following:

• No contact with any victims of offences for which he’s been convicted or any known members of their immediate families;
• Not to get within 300 metres of any known residence, place of employment or educational facility of any of the victims or witnesses for which he’s been convicted or any known member of their immediate families;
• Not to possess any knives, axes, or other sharp bladed instrument used, designed to be used, or intended to be used to cut things, except for possessing a knife when preparing and eating food, or for the purpose of lawful employment, while at or going directly to and from the place of employment;
• Must not possess or consume alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substances, except with a medical prescription;
• Must not possess any nylons or pantyhose, or any tool or device that can be used for the purposes of restraint, including but not limited to duct tape, straps, rope, or wire unless specifically needed for onsite employment approved by his bail supervisor;
• A curfew by being inside the place where he lives and regularly sleeps between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except when there is prior permission from his bail supervisor, or going directly to and from a health-care facility because of a medical emergency;
• Not to attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, school ground, playground or community centre;
• Must not engage in any form of gambling except with written permission from his bail supervisor;
• Not to seek or obtain employment or becoming a volunteer in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16

Willemse will be electronically monitored, and investigators with the Surrey Police Service’s Major Crime Unit will continue tracking his compliance with release conditions.

Anyone who sees a suspected breach of his conditions is asked to call 911 immediately.

In a statement Friday, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke shared her frustration over the decision to release a high-risk sex offender into the community.

“When you consider the criminal history of Marinus Willemse, it seems almost inevitable that he will reoffend. If so, that means there will be a victim,” the statement reads.

Locke added that while she agrees with rehabilitation, forgiveness and second chances, she draws the line at repeat offenders who target vulnerable people.

“We need to do better,” said Locke. “As I have in the past, I will write the Federal Minister of Justice expressing my firm belief that we cannot, as a society, allow such individuals amongst children, mothers and families. If this means that Marinus Willemse must remain in jail indefinitely — then so be it.”