Note to Women: Be Cautious of Surroundings When Exercising, Walking Outdoors

Here's a community message from the :

There have been approximately six reported incidents since August 2007 in which lone female joggers or walkers have been approached by an unknown male who has pulled down their pants as they have been jogging or walking by. The incidents have occurred on Patterson Pass Road and Holmes Street when there is very little or no pedestrian traffic. The days of the week and times of day vary from incident to incident and the frequency between occurrences change. 

The victims have been unable to provide an accurate description of the male subject because he generally approaches them from behind or from an unknown area.  The subject immediately flees the area and disappears to an unknown location. In most cases, victims have been wearing MP3 players with headphones or earbuds. 

The Livermore Police Department is encouraging female runners or walkers to be acutely aware of their surroundings, especially when they are exercising. It is recommended that females use the “buddy system” while exercising and refrain from running or walking alone if at all possible.

If you currently have a routine, we encourage you to break the routine as it is unknown whether or not the subject has been watching for patterns. 

Additionally, MP3 players may create a distraction; therefore, your awareness should be heightened when wearing these devices.  Furthermore, if you have any information regarding these incidents or have been the victim of such an incident and have not reported it, we encourage you to call the Livermore Police Department and report the incident. 

Contact:

Sgt. Paul Mayer or Detective Joe Draghi at 925-371-4733 or 925-371-4762.

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