Police Offer Safety Tips After 2 Violent Sex Assaults In Somerset County Area

BELLE MEAD, NJ — Montgomery Police are offering personal safety tips after two violent sexual assaults occurred in local parks near the township.

On Sept. 28 between 4:30 to 5 p.m., a man is wanted after he reportedly sexually assaulted a woman in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in Middlesex County.

The same man is also suspected to be connected to a sexual assault at knifepoint at Duke Island Park attack in Bridgewater on July 18 at around 8:45 p.m. Read More: Man Wanted In Sexual Assault May Be Tied To Duke Island Attack

"These two horrible events are a great concern to us and our surrounding law enforcement partners," said Montgomery Township Police Captain James M. Gill.

Gill shared some simple, general personal safety tips to help residents reduce the risk to themselves and also to discourage those who commit crimes:

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
• Always let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics, such as a whistle or other non-violent deterrents.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys, desolate paths or areas, and dark parking lots.
• Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities.
• Be aware of escape routes for emergencies

Street Precautions

• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you — especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Whenever possible, travel / walk with a friend.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• When walking wear highly visible clothing and walk confidently at a steady pace.
• Make eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street—continue walking.
• If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Although a purse-snatcher's intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it.
• Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. headphones).

Car Safety

• Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car.
• Check the interior of your vehicle for intruders before entering your car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station.
• If your car breaks down, stay in the car and call for help. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police, sheriff or a tow truck service.
• Don't stop to aid motorists by the side of the road. Make a phone call requesting help for them.
• Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in common accessible areas.

"Finally, if a crime does occur...REPORT IT! Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Many criminals develop favorite areas for committing crime, as well as predictable methods of operation. When you report all the facts about a crime, it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur, and your report may help prevent a crime from reoccurring," said Gill.

Additionally, as the end of day light savings approaches, residents are reminded to keep visibility in mind and keep a sturdy flashlight.

"When in doubt, call us," said Gill. "The Montgomery Township Police Department is here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days year. I would much rather have our officers respond to a false alarm, than to have any person, living, working, or just traveling through Montgomery Township feel unsafe for any reason."

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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