Surrey sex trade workers warned after recent attacks

The study found that Vancouver sex workers could not screen clients and were pushed to isolated spaces without police protection. (File photo/CTV)

Mounties have issued a public warning to sex trade workers following a pair of similar and disturbing attacks committed recently in Surrey.

In both incidents, the victims were walked to secluded areas then sexually and physically assaulted, according to the RCMP.

The most recent attack took place Oct. 12 after a woman was picked up on King George Boulevard. She was assaulted but eventually managed to escape and flag down an officer on patrol in the area.

A search with help from Police Dog Services unfortunately failed to locate a suspect.

Another sex trade worker came forward on Oct. 18 to report a similar attack she survived in mid-September.

The suspect in both assaults is described as a white man, roughly 35 years old, 5’10” tall, 200-230 pounds with balding or shaved hair and crooked teeth. He may go by either James or Jeff.

The RCMP is asking anyone with information on the suspect’s identity, or any other potential victims, to come forward by calling the Surrey detachment at 604-599-0502.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.