On Dec. 13, a child reported a stranger trying to lure them into a vehicle in town, but thanks to their knowledge of ‘stranger danger' they ran.
For parents and teachers, situations like this act as a reminder to have a discussion with children about the danger of interacting with strangers, and what they should do.
MD of Bonnyville School Resource Officer Cst. Charlene Skinner said it's common for parents to want to play a protective role after an incident similar to that of Dec. 13. However, it's important to allow independence, while reminding kids of stranger safety and methods someone may use to lure them into a vehicle, or out of sight.
In some cases, abductors will trick a child by asking them if they want candy, can provide directions, or even help them find their missing dog. If a child is armed with the knowledge that this could happen, they will know when to run away and get help.
“I think this is something we should be talking to our kids about all of the time,” said Northern Lights Public Schools communications officer Nicole Garner. “It is important to have (the conversation) whether you think something isn't going to happen or not. There is always a slim chance, and it doesn't hurt for children to feel confident that they know what to do in that situation.”
Reminding children to stay a fair distance away from strangers, not to talk to strangers, never to get into a stranger's vehicle, and to run and tell an adult if someone does try and lure them into their vehicle, are just a handful of ways to keep children safe.
Parents can also tell their children to call them if they are feeling uncomfortable, to never tell a stranger your secrets, to always walk with a friend or sibling and to trust their instincts.
“There's safety in groups from the stranger danger aspect but also in terms of getting lost, or anything that may come up on your way to or from school,” Garner explained.
Skinner suggested parents consider making a code word with their children, something only themselves and their children would know. This way, if a parent is unable to pick up their child after school, they can give that safety word to a friend or family member who is.
Ensuring your child understands situations like this could happen, and providing them with options of how to stay safe while still allowing them to remain independent is important.
“Giving them the tools to deal with these sorts of things helps them build confidence… and it helps them build independence. So, it's not so much about restricting kids from doing anything, it's making sure that they are confident that they can do it, and that they have the information so that they can do it safely,” Garner explained.
Each year, local school resource officers travel between schools across the Lakeland to teach students valuable tips on how to remain safe while walking to and from school.
The presentations generally focus on the younger grades, but any class can request to have a school resource officer make a presentation.
Schools also ensure they have teachers on hand when students are playing outside, getting off or on the bus, or even being dropped off or picked up by a parent.
“There are also other parents who are driving their kids to and from school, and I think most of those parents keep an eye out when they see kids walking along the road,” Garner said.
Sgt. Sarah Parke of the Bonnyville RCMP said they have not seen an incline of attempted child abductions in the area when compared to other years.
When the RCMP receives a call about an attempted, or successful child abduction, there is a protocol they follow to try and get the child home safely.
“We investigate it right away and attempt to locate the child by going down all of the avenues of an investigation, trying to determine where they were last seen, who they were speaking with, conducting interviews and all of those types of things,” she explained.
If the student was on their way to school, or if the school was involved in any way, they are kept informed as the investigation continues.
“In case they hear of something on their end and vice versa,” explained Parke.
Working with the local media outlets, the RCMP shares descriptions of suspect or their vehicle.
“We want to utilize the public's assistance so we have more eyes out there trying to locate the vehicle or the suspect,” Parke noted.
If RCMP suspect child abduction has occurred, they have the Amber Alert program at their disposal.
Parke said there are criteria that must be met in order for the RCMP to be able to use the system, but should they be met, that is the route they would most likely take.
In terms of the local reported attempted child abduction in mid-December, there are no updates. The suspect was described as likely a lone male in a fluorescent work vest driving a silver mini van. A child from H.E. Bourgoin School reported that the man tried to lure them into their vehicle around 9 a.m. that morning. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or the suspect is to call the local RCMP at 780-343-7200.
