SAN FRANCISCO—A series of groping incidents have prompted some residents to take action by putting up letters of caution for women in the region. The letters, simply titled “RAPIST,” have been found throughout the north San Francisco neighborhoods of Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
The purpose of the letters are to alert residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity, as well as give advice on how to avoid being a victim.
The body of the letter reads as follows:
“Notice: there have recently been several attacks on females in this neighborhood. The assailant is still at large, and resident are urged to be vigilant at night.
Please make sure to report any unusual activity to the police, and take care to avoid dark places (one of the attacks was on the dark stairs on Filbert Street this past weekend).
Do NOT buzz anyone into your building without identifying them first. Your safety and the safety of your neighbors is at risk.”
SFPD spokesperson Carlos Manfredi said in a press statement that all the incidents have taken place at night between the hours of 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
According to CBS SF, about three or four gropings have been reported in the last few weeks, with the last incident occurring on Saturday, August 1. One of the incidents, mentioned in the letter is believed to have happened at Filbert Street between Hyde and Leavenworth.
The person mentioned in the letter is believed to be the only suspect in the incidents. He has been described by his victims as being in his late 20s to early 30s and standing between 5 feet and 6 inches to 5 feet and 10 inches tall.
Anyone with information that may help authorities identify the suspect is asked to contact either the San Francisco Special Victims Unit at (415) 553-1361 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444.
