After being followed by an individual in the station area in Neuchâtel, on the afternoon of April 26, a teenage girl confided in her father, who immediately informed the police. A patrol quickly arrested a man matching the description given by the young girl.
Investigations revealed that the latter had been the subject of other reports for similar, or even more serious, acts. At least five women, aged 16 to 40, suffered the actions of the alleged perpetrator in the street or on public transport. Three complaints have been filed to date, the public prosecutor and the Neuchâtel police informed on Wednesday.
The modus operandi of this Swiss man aged around forty, living in the canton of Neuchâtel, consisted of following women at random to approach them insistently, trying to offer them flowers or jewelry. In some cases, the man grabbed women by the arms and even hugged one of them.
The arrested person, who was detained for a few days, was forced to take strict alternative measures, mainly medical, as an alternative to prison, at least while the investigation continued.
The Neuchâtel cantonal police point out that it is necessary to immediately report harassing behavior via 117. “It is unacceptable for public spaces to be an area of insecurity for women. These facts are taken seriously,” insists its spokesperson Georges-André Louzoet. It is really important to report the case immediately so that the police can act quickly. We also expect possible witnesses to come forward.”
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