VicPD Investigating Suspicious Incident Involving Youth, Encourages Halloween Safety Conversations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 27, 2026  
File: 26-45429 

Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is investigating a suspicious incident involving a female youth who had a brief encounter with a male near Blanshard Street and Hillside Avenue on October 26, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m. Police are asking the public for information to help identify the male. 

Allegedly, the unknown male followed the youth and made inappropriate comments before she returned home. The youth’s actions in seeking safety are a reminder of the importance of talking with children about what to do if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. In this instance, the youth did everything right. 

Investigators have obtained surveillance video and are working to identify and locate the male for further questioning. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and wearing the following clothing: 

• A light-coloured baseball cap 
• A navy-blue puffy jacket 
• Light-coloured sweatpants 
• Dark-coloured shoes 
• A red backpack 

Currently, police do not believe there is an immediate threat to public safety. The investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone who recognizes the description of the male, saw the incident, or has relevant surveillance or dashcam footage from the area of Blanshard Street and Hillside Avenue around 6:00 p.m. on October 26, 2026, is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 ext. 1, and reference file number 26-45429. 

Halloween Safety 

With Halloween approaching, VicPD encourages parents and caregivers to take a few minutes to review personal safety with children before they head out into their neighbourhoods. 

Consider discussing the following safety tips: 

• Trust your instincts: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area and seek help. 
• Know where to go: Find safe places to seek help, such as a trusted neighbour’s home, an open business, or another familiar location. 
• Stay connected: Encourage children to walk with friends or a trusted adult and avoid walking alone whenever possible. 
• Keep trusted adults informed: Children should tell a parent or caregiver where they are going, who they are with and when they expect to return. 
• Know what to do if approached: Children do not need to be polite to someone who makes them feel unsafe. They can move away, make noise, enter a safe location, and ask a trusted adult for help. 
• Be visible and aware: Halloween costumes and masks should allow children to see and hear clearly. Remind them to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark. 
• Call for help: In an emergency or if someone is in danger, call 911.