Safety Alert - Burnaby Campus

Last updated: July 26, 3:40 p.m.

Please be alerted that the Burnaby RCMP issued the following this afternoon:

This morning, just after 5 a.m., Burnaby RCMP responded to a report of a sexual assault that is alleged to have occurred at UniverCity.

According to the female victim, at around 4:30 a.m., while out walking she was approached by a man at Highland Court and University Crescent. The man is alleged to have approached the victim, assaulted her and then attempted to sexually assault her. The suspect left the area seconds after attempting to sexually assault the victim, it is unknown in what direction he then went.

The suspect is described as:

- Black male

- Aged in his late 20’s

- 6ft tall

- Medium build

- Short, bushy curly beard with a moustache

- Wearing a black hoodie, black sweat pants and a black baseball cap with a New York Yankees logo on it

It is very early in the police investigation into this incident and officers are continuing interviews and video canvassing throughout the day. At this time there is nothing to suggest that this incident is connected to a previous assault that took place on a trail near SFU on July 14, 2019.

Police are asking that anyone who may have been in the area of Highland Court, University Crescent or University High Street at 4:30 a.m., Friday morning and may have seen anything suspicious to please contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

Additionally, if you were driving in the area at this time and have any dashcam video you are asked to contact police.

Please continue to follow the safety advice below when walking, particularly at night.

- If you see anything suspicious then please contact police immediately.

- Be mindful of your surroundings and your own personal safety.

- Try not to walk alone, instead walk in pairs or groups particularly in the evening.

- Do not wear headphones or become distracted by your phone when you’re walking – it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

We understand the concern this may cause within our University community. Your safety is a priority for us. SFU has increased security presence on campus; security continues to patrol to look for suspicious activity and offer assistance to our community. We are cooperating closely with the RCMP to support their investigation. 

SFU Safety reminders and resources:

• If you notice suspicious individuals or feel threatened, call 911 immediately. 
• Consider using our 24/7 Safewalk program after dark or for walking through unpopulated areas of campus.
• Add the SFU Campus Security Emergency phone number to your phone contacts: 778-782-4500.
• Know the location of direct-line security telephones or blue emergency phones in areas that you commonly visit on campus.
• Review more safety information and resources in our SFU Personal Safety Guides.
• For those feeling impacted by this news, the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is available to all continuing faculty and staff.  Students can access mental health supports 24/7 via the mySSP program and students in distress or needing assistance are encouraged to seek support from Health and Counselling Services at 778-782-4615 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
• The Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office (SVSPO) is an additional resource for SFU community members seeking supports related to sexual violence.