Stranger Danger Information
Recent media reports of strangers attempting to contact children bring this issue to the forefront as the weather moderates and more and more children will be outside while walking or biking to and from school or in the evenings and on weekends. In the recent past, the department has received reports of suspicious activity similar to what has been mentioned in the media occuring in the area. To help prevent an unfortunate situation and better prepare children to help provide information that may be valuable in identifying a suspect, the following tips and suggestions are being provided.
Tell your child:
To never accept anything from a stranger including candy and gifts.
To not get close to strangers.
To not go with a stranger to look for a lost pet or provide directions.
To never get into a car with anyone they don't know.
To walk or ride bikes to and from school or play in groups with other children. The bigger the group, the better. Try not to walk anywhere alone.
If they feel they are being followed, to run for help immediately.
If someone tries to pull them into a car; to scream, kick, bite and claw. Call out STRANGER and/or THIS IS NOT MY DAD (OR MOM). Make as much noise as possible.
To get a description of a car, person, or license plate and only if they can do so without putting their safety at risk.
To always tell parents where they are.
To call 911 as soon as they can if they are confronted by a stranger.
Parents should map their childs route to and from school, walk it with them so they are familiar with it and make sure they follow this route with no deviations unless they get parent permission first. Parents should help their child identify safe places they can go for help; trusted neighbors, friends, businesses or public buildings.
Notifying police of suspicious activity or contact their child has with a stranger as soon as possible is important in helping resolve these cases.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to be a service to the community as a means to forward information on crimes, incidents, emergencies or other events that might impact residents. It is not intended to replace available media sources. The timely provision of information is not guaranteed and viewers to this page are reminded to monitor local media for timely reports on any activity that might be of concern to the community.