Your daughter is on her way home from school and notices a man in a car looking at her as she walks by.  The man drives past her but continues watching her in his rear view mirror.  She keeps walking, and he keeps pulling in front of her.  If this happened to your child, would he/she know what to do?  It is important that all children know what to do in a situation like this. 

Although infrequent; situations like these DO happen in our community. The following information may help keep your children safe.

Parents

• Make sure your children know their full name, address, and phone number, as well as their parent's full name.   

• Make sure they know how to use 911.

• Don't put your child's name on the outside of backpacks or clothing.   A stranger could confuse your son or daughter by calling them by name.
  
  
• No matter what your child's age, know his/her route to and from their school.  Walk it with them and point out safe locations where your child can go in case of an emergency. Play the "What If Game" so they know how to react should there be a problem.
  
  
• Know your children's friends, where they live, and their real name (not the nickname your child calls them).  Know their parents' names and phone number. 

• Remind kids how important it is that a parent or responsible adult know where they are and who they are with.
  
  

Children

• NO, GO and TELL.  If a stranger tries to talk to you, say "NO!" GO someplace safe and TELL an adult.

• Never take a walk with, go for a ride with, or accept gifts from a stranger.  Remember NO, GO, and TELL if a stranger offers any of these things.

• If a stranger tries to force you into a car, its okay to fight, kick, punch, bite, and scream at the top of your lungs, "you're not my parent."

Citizens

• If you see someone acting suspicious or hear a child yelling "you're not my parent", report it immediately and then make it obvious to the person involved that he/she is being watched. Be a good witness and take note of the persons physical and vehicle description.

Citizens, be alert to what's going on around you. Children, NO, GO and TELL! Parents, ensure your kids are prepared.  Talk to your children, play the "What If Game," and make sure they know what to do.

Although "Officer Jeff" teaches these things in school, we all have a responsibility to make sure our kids are safe and ready if confronted by a stranger.

For additional resources for parents and guardians, visit www.missingkids.com or contact Officer Jeff Dowhaniuk at 336-6271.

Sergeant Mike Don
Crime Prevention Division