SOUTH SURREY/WHITE ROCK — Police have issued a warning to women in the South Surrey, White Rock area following two sexual assaults in the last two weeks.
Surrey RCMP are investigating a sex assault that occurred Monday night just before 10 p.m. in Alderwood Park in South Surrey.
Police say a 38-year-old woman was walking along a trail in the park near the tennis courts when a stranger approached her from behind, uttering threats.
The suspect is alleged to have thrown the woman to the ground, trying to rip her clothes off.
While the suspect tried to drag the victim into the bush, she fought back and head butted the suspect. She also scratched the assailant several times before escaping.
The Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is investigating and are looking for a man thought to be between 35 and 42 years old, six-feet-tall with dark hair. He was last seen wearing dark baggy pants with a large square belt buckle, a dark hoody with a string and a dark ball cap.
“The male may have sustained an injury during the attack, which may include a black eye(s), a broken/bloody nose or scratches,†said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr in a press release.
Those who know anyone with the described injuries are asked to call police at 604-599-0502.
Meanwhile, White Rock RCMP is also investigating a sex assault that took place on Aug. 8.
Similarities between the two incidents caught the attention of police.
“We are not able to conclusively link the two investigation at this early stage,†Carr noted, but added, “Some of the similarities in the two investigations caused our investigators to take notice.â€
The Surrey RCMP has provided the following safety tips for walking alone at night:
• Be Aware- Know your surroundings and remove your headphones.
• Trust Your Instincts - If something does not feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
• Walk with Confidence - Keep your head up and know where you are going.
• Call a Friend - Let someone else know where you are going.
• Only Essentials - Carry only the necessary identification, money, or cards that you need.
• Keep in Touch - Bring your cell phone so you can make emergency calls.
• Stay Visible - Stay in well-lit areas and don’t wear dark clothes at night.
• Keys Ready - Have your car or house keys ready before you reach the door.
• Lock Down - Lock your car or house door after you are inside.
Minimize your risk:
• Don’t carry large bags or purses
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Don’t carry important documents like a passport or birth certificate
• Don’t make your valuables visible
If you think you are being followed:
• Cross the street
• Go to the nearest home, business or public place or call a friend
ATM Smarts: 
Never openly count your money while at an automatic bank teller machine (ATM). Make sure no one is close to you while you withdraw money and be discreet when you count it.
If You Are Approached: If you are approached and verbally threatened or physically assaulted you can avoid further confrontation, by giving the perpetrator all the property they want. DO NOT fight back! Never engage in an altercation as it increases your chance of getting physically harmed. Although it is not essential, try to observe the perpetrator’s shoes, clothing, or visible markings like scars, tattoos or piercings to help the police in later identifying the suspect. When the robbery has ended and the perpetrator has left, call 911 to report the crime.