Note: This story has been updated to include a composite sketch.
SURREY — Surrey Mounties say people should keep their eyes peeled for an old maroon-coloured van after two suspicious incidents, in Guildford and Fleetwood.
Police say a woman was jogging in the 16400-block of 80th Avenue at about 5 p.m. Jan. 24 when she noticed a van circling the area.
"The van stopped and the driver got out, continuing to watch the woman," Corporal Scotty Schumann said. "The driver tried to engage the woman in conversation and followed her on foot until she left in her vehicle."
The following day, a girl was walking her dog in the 14900-block of 96th Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. when she saw a van following her. "The van sped up and slowed down to match her pace," Schumann said. "The girl hid and the van eventually drove away.
"Investigators are speaking to witnesses and gathering information to determine whether it is the same maroon-coloured van in both instances," Schumann said. "A witness also describes it as having a boxy shape, sliding doors and tinted windows."
The driver was a man in his 40s, with dark circles under his eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. He wore dark sweat pants and a black hoodie.
Schumann said the investigation is a "priority" for the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit and asks anyone who sees a van like this to get its licence plate number and call police.
He noted the woman and girl were "aware of their surroundings and were able to avoid a situation that did not feel safe.
"If you are confronted by a person jeopardizing your safety, do what you can to draw attention to yourself," Schumann advised. "Remove yourself from the situation, and call police as soon as possible."