NEWS of two more sex attacks committed in the space of just a few hours takes the island into unfamiliar territory.

Major crimes of this nature are, thankfully, so rare in Guernsey that one in the course of a year is a matter of great concern, let alone two in one night by seemingly different men.

That they follow hard on the heels of two earlier sex attacks in July and one in March last year is deeply troubling.

With extra police on duty on Friday night specifically hunting for the perpetrator it is clear that the attacker(s) are prepared to take great risks.

It is believed that one might even have had the audacity to attack twice in the same dark lane just a few hundred yards from police headquarters.

While it is important to maintain a sense of perspective about the risks, it is also vital that women are made aware of the dangers and take appropriate steps to stay safe.

It would currently be foolhardy for any woman to walk home alone late at night using the quiet back lanes of Town.

If a taxi is not available then women should walk in pairs or ensure that they are escorted home by someone they trust.

While the police are putting officers on the streets in a bid to track down the attackers the whole island has a responsibility to help out, even those who never set foot in Town on a Friday or Saturday night.

In today’s Guernsey Press, police ask a series of questions intended to stir someone’s memories of a neighbour or colleague who might be acting just that bit oddly, washing clothes at night, acquiring strange scratches etc.

It could be the smallest piece of information that sets officers on the right trail.

With police and islanders on careful guard it is hard to believe that the attacker will be able to evade capture forever.

But until an arrest and conviction is confirmed young women are advised to avoid quiet areas of Town and stay sober enough to be aware of the dangers.