‘If possible, don’t exercise alone’ town told following unsolved attacks
Two violent daytime attacks on women in the same area of Mackay led to an increased police presence.
On February 3, a 53-year-old was attacked while swimming at Town Beach, adjacent to the Iluka Park area.
More than a week later, a 27-year-old was attacked while walking on the Bluewater Trail.
Investigators said they believe the two incidents may be related but have limited information regarding the appearance of the alleged attacker.
“Both victims in this case were approached from behind… due to the traumatic nature of these attacks it is sometimes difficult for victims to remember such details,” Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said at a press conference on Monday.
“We are currently working with these victims to obtain a better description.
“They were very brave in coming forward to hold this perpetrator accountable and also ensure the safety of the community.”
Both women were from the Mackay region and were violently assaulted and sexually assaulted during daylight hours on a weekday.
Novosel confirmed that one person was wearing headphones at the time and urged residents to take extra precautions.
“I encourage the community to continue to enjoy using these public spaces,” he said.
“We have increased our patrols to ensure everyone is safe, but if you are going to exercise may I ask you to take some basic safety precautions that you would normally take on a daily basis?
“Make sure someone knows where you are going if possible, do not exercise alone if possible, and if you choose to wear headphones… make sure the volume of the headphones is high enough to keep you aware of your surroundings.”
He added that police believe there may be more victims who have not come forward and urged anyone with relevant information or CCTV in the area to come forward.
“Police are appealing for assistance from the Mackay community and anyone using these areas who may have interacted with individuals or seen an interaction between an unknown male that may have concerned them.”
Investigators first became aware of the allegations last week.
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