Portage la Prairie RCMP report two incidents of bear spray being used in attacks over the past week.

In one incident, a resident of a Tupper Street North home was sprayed on Oct. 28 after finding an unknown male inside their vehicle, police say. The other incident saw occupants of a 12th Street NW home treated for bear spray exposure Oct. 29 after a window was broken and sprayed into. Constable Sean O'Keefe says police can't confirm whether the two occurrences are related, or unrelated.

"Unfortunately some of our ne'er-do-wells make use of this common deterrent for animals that's easily accessible at different across Portage, and Winnipeg," O'Keefe says. "It's not illegal to possess bear spray or animal repellent when it's used for that purpose. It is illegal to use it for the purpose of assaulting another person."

O'Keefe notes police are asking for public assistance in identifying suspects in the 12th Street NW disturbance, and asks anyone who has information that can help police with their investigation to contact your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.