Kamloops Detachment Media Release
February 24, 2021
File number: 2021-5352
The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is sharing some important street-proofing tips with the community after a student reported possibly being followed.
On February 19 around 3:20 p.m., Kamloops RCMP received a report of a suspicious person near a school on the 900-block of Southill Street. A student was walking home when she noticed a man who appeared to be following her.
She returned to her school, running, and eventually lost sight of the man.
The man was described as Caucasian, medium build, six-feet tall, with a grey beard to his chest, wearing a red jacket and green checkered cap. No other reports were received.
“This is a great example of a student who was alert, aware of her surroundings, and did the right thing by going back to her school and finding a trusted adult to help,” said Corporal Dana Napier, of the Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention Unit.
While incidents of child abduction are rare, it never hurts to reinforce basic safety principals with your kids in case they are approached, she added.
“As the weather warms up and more kids start walking to and home from school, it’s a good time to review safety tips with them,” said Cpl. Napier.
Below are some street-proofing tips to discuss with your kids.
Everyday Basics:
- Know your home address and landline phone number
- Know how to contact your parents on their cell phones or at work
- Know how and when to call 9-1-1 in an emergency from a phone
- Establish a code word for your family. This should be used in emergencies to identify a ‘safe person’ other than their parent or caregiver
- Play what if games with younger children to reinforce these safety messages
In the Community:
- Children and teens should play and walk to places with a buddy. If they become separated or lost, they should tell someone with a nametag (for e.g. a cashier or security guard) immediately
- Avoid conversations with strangers. If someone you do not know asks you personal questions, such as: where do you live, do not answer. Run away or leave the situation immediately
- It’s okay to say NO to adults who ask you to do something for them, such as: help them find a lost pet, join them in an activity or game, or give them directions
- Never walk with or accept a ride, money or gifts from strangers or even someone you may know, without checking with your parents. Keep a safe distance (two arm lengths) from strangers and cars that approach you
- If a person tries to grab you – scream loudly, make a lot of noise, and try to create a disturbance (e.g. knock things over, scatter belongings, kick wildly). Shout, “Help, this person is not my parent!” Run to a safe location like an open store
- If a vehicle is involved, try to take get the license plate and a description of the stranger(s) and vehicle(s). Call 9-1-1 for help.
- If you are taking a public bus, always sit near the bus driver
- Reduce the use of headphones or use of electronic devices that can distract you from your surroundings when you are walking