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Geraldton: Serial offender targeting women along foreshore now believed to have attacked four victims

Jessica MoroneyGeraldton Guardian
Geraldton detectives are hunting for an alleged serial attacker targeting women walking along the foreshore, with the number of indecent assault reports now increasing to four.
Camera IconGeraldton detectives are hunting for an alleged serial attacker targeting women walking along the foreshore, with the number of indecent assault reports now increasing to four. Credit: Kate Campbell

Geraldton detectives are hunting for an alleged serial attacker targeting women walking along the foreshore, with the number of indecent assault reports now increasing to four.

Another two women came forward to report incidents to police after detectives appealed for the public’s help over two other incidents last week.

Police believe the same person is responsible for all four incidents, describing the wanted man as aged between 18 and 25 with a dark complexion. He was seen riding a dark-coloured bicycle.

One victim was allegedly assaulted in Bluff Point. The remaining three victims were on the foreshore in Beresford.

Police say the first incident occurred on Chapman Road, near Kempton Street, on Saturday, June 11 at 3.30pm. No description of the alleged assault was released at the time.

The second report came on Tuesday, July 12 on the Beresford Foreshore near Dean Street about 4pm.

Geraldton detectives said the victim, a 27-year-old woman visiting Geraldton, initially reported the incident to police but did not want to proceed further with the allegations.

Acting officer-in-charge Det-Sgt Simon Harrison said the man allegedly stared at the woman, groped her right buttock and attempted to grope her breast and kiss her before being pushed away and riding off.

The third and fourth reported incidents allegedly took place within half an hour of each other on Friday, July 15.

A woman said she was indecently assaulted on the Beresford Foreshore between Trigg Place and Adam streets at 3.45pm. The fourth assault occurred along the foreshore near Mark Street about 4.15pm.

At the time, Detective Sen. Const. Gareth Lewis said inquiries were ongoing and believed because of the similar nature of the alleged acts police were looking for the same person.

“We haven’t arrested anyone and we are still conducting the preliminary investigation,” he said.

The Beresford Foreshore.
Camera IconThe Beresford Foreshore. Credit: Kate Campbell

On Thursday, Geraldton Det. First Class Const. Jake Williams said detectives were still tracking down CCTV footage, and asked anyone with information to come forward.

“We are still gathering all information we can,” he said.

If you witnessed any of these incidents or have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.au.

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