Back in July, the Eureka Police Department asked the public for help in solving a rape that occurred in an alley by Steve and Dave’s Bar near closing time. Now comes word that a similar case happened last weekend. Shockingly, this time it was in the far more heavily trafficked downtown area — outside Lost Coast Brewery — and at the far more visible hour of 9 p.m.

Interim EPD chief Murl Harpham sent the following memo to members of the Eureka Main Street business organization earlier this week. As far as we can tell, no press release was issued.

You may want to advise your members of two recent rapes in the Old Town area.  One occurred about six weeks ago behind Steve’s and Dave’s at First and C streets and the second was this past weekend at the Lost Coast Brewery. At Steve’s and Dave’s the victim was very intoxicated and was grabbed from behind and pushed against the wall in the alley and then sexually assaulted. This occurred at about 2 a.m.

The incident this past weekend occurred behind the brewery at about 9 P.M. and the suspect used a knife and pushed the victim up against the wall and proceeded to assault her.

These incidents serve as a reminder that persons, men and women, walking alone after dark need to be aware of their surroundings. This is especially so as the days get shorter as most of these type crimes we know usually happen after dark. Following are some tips just to remind people to remain safe.

Never walk with your head down or fail to make eye contact with others. This is a sign of weakness and suspect don’t like to be Identified.

Always survey the area you are entering. If someone seems to be watching you, return to your place of departure and get a friend to walk with you.

When you can, use the buddy system.

Avoid walking past the passenger side of large vans with sliding doors.

Have your keys in your hand for quick entry and don’t forget your key fob and use the alarm.  The flashing lights and blaring horn will attract the curious and frighten the suspects. Also, used right the key can be used as a weapon.