Dear Parent and Guardians,
Saanich Police are warning the parents and members of the public about an attempted child luring incident that took place in the Cordova Bay area earlier this week. At around 3:30pm on Monday, Nov. 15, a 10-year-old child was near Claremont Secondary School when they were approached by a man in a vehicle, according to the Saanich Police Department. Saanich PD says the man attempted to convince the child to come into the vehicle with him but was unsuccessful as the child refused. The child was able to make it home safely.
The concept of a 'stranger' can be difficult for some children to understand. It is suggested that you talk about the following safety habits with your child(ren) to keep them safe:
- teach children not to go anywhere with anyone without first getting permission from a parent/ guardian
- teach children to always have a buddy with them
- practice scenarios with your child. Ask them what they would do if someone approaches them, asks them for help, says their parent sent them
- discuss what to do if your child becomes lost or separated from a parent while out in public
- encourage your child to tell a parent or trusted adult if someone approaches them, or if a situation makes them uncomfortable
- teach your child to trust their instincts and the importance of paying attention to their surroundings
- discuss what to do if someone tries to take them somewhere - shouting, kicking, screaming; use the slogan "If asked to go and your parents don't know, SHOUT NO!" (Tips courtesy of RCMP)
Sincerely,
Mary Lynn Heron
Principal