AN incident that occurred last week has prompted the Terrace RCMP to remind parents and care givers to talk to their children about personal safety.
A student was walking home when she noticed a man following her and beckoning her to come to him. She called out to someone nearby and the man disappeared into nearby bushes. No similar reports have been received by RCMP at this time.
It is important to reinforce basic safety principles to your children in order to educate and prepare them should they be approached. Some tips to plan for, keep in mind, and discuss with your children are:
Never talk, take anything, or go anywhere with a stranger. A stranger is:
- someone you don’t know
- know only a little bit or have seen around
- someone your parents have told you to stay away from
- If a stranger attempts to engage you leave the stranger right away and go to the closest safe place ie home, the home of someone you know, or into an open business.
- Tell an adult that a stranger is making you feel uncomfortable or tried to get you to go with them or give you something.
- There is safety in numbers. Whenever possible walk with a friend or relative.
- It is okay to say NO. Should someone try to grab or restrain them, teach them to scream loudly, make a loud noise, and shout, "This person is not my parent."
- Whenever possible take notes of any physical vehicle descriptors and licence plates.
- Call 911
- Establish a secret word or phrase for your family. This should be used in emergencies to identify a safe person other than their parent or care giver.
- Incidents of child abduction are rare, however it is important to educate our children.
If you have information about crime contact the Terrace RCMP at (250)638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.terracecrimestoppers.ca or by texting TERRACE plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). If your information leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.