Women on Surrey bus receives threats of sexual violence

Metro Vancouver Transit Police say a woman travelling on a Surrey bus received multiple threats of sexual violence.

According to Transit Police the woman was on a bus that had just departed Newton Exchange with about 15 other passengers on July 14 around 11 pm when she received the threatening messages to her phone via AirDrop.

AirDrop is an iphone feature that lets  users share media files with other phones in close proximity.

The function can be disabled, but many iPhone users leave it on. Police say “The circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely concerning, all members of the public have the right to use public transit without fear of assault or harassment.”

The woman contacted transit police via text message, and officers met with her shortly after. Police say there will be a thorough investigation. Anyone who has a similar experience on transit or encounters another threatening scenario can contact transit police by phone at 604-516-7419 or text officers discreetly by messaging 87-77-77.