On April 8 at approximately 9:19pm, Wellington County OPP officers were contacted by a concerned parent regarding their child being approached by an unknown male while waiting for her school bus earlier that morning.
Police say that at approximately 8am a seven-year-old girl was standing by her mailbox at the end of her laneway waiting for the school bus on Concession 8 in Mapleton Township.
As the girl waited, a dark-coloured car pulled up to her location and the lone male occupant rolled the window down halfway. As the girl ran back towards her residence she could hear him speaking to her but was unsure what was said.
By the time family members looked outside, the vehicle was gone and was last seen travelling on Concession 8 towards Moorefield.
The vehicle is described as a four-door black car, possibly a newer model. The driver is described as a middle aged male, possibly 50 years old, with short black hair with a moustache.
OPP are continuing its investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
County OPP are reminding local communities about “Stranger Safety.” It is very important to teach children how to react if someone tries to take them or lure them into a vehicle, police state.
Education is the key and there are several discussions parents can have with their children regarding stranger awareness. One key element is to reinforce that children should never accept rides from strangers.
One common tactic of child abductors is to lure children into a car using a fake story, such as telling kids they were sent by their parents who have been hurt in an accident. By establishing a “secret code word” system with your children, parents can better protect their loved ones.
One of the single most important factors to remember when teaching your children about stranger danger is to instill confidence, rather than fear.
Police offer the following tips and teaching tools for parents and children. Police also encourage open discussion of this issue among families to ensure everyone’s safety.
Safety tips from OPP
Teach your children:
– their name, age, telephone number, address, city and province;
– that bad people do not always look mean or scary;
– if a stranger bothers them, advise them to run away. If they are followed or grabbed by a stranger, shout, yell loud and fight back;
– if anyone touches them in a bad way, say “no,” get away and tell an adult they trust;
– how to contact you, the police, the fire department or ambulance service in the event of an emergency;
– to keep you informed as to their whereabouts at all times;
– never admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone. Never give out their name or address to strangers;
– never invite strangers into the house or answer the door when home alone;
– never approach or enter a stranger’s car and to always keep a safe distance from a stranger;
– never hitchhike;
– to rely on police officers as their friends if they are lost or require help; and
– never play alone.
Police also offer a number of tips for parents.
Teach your children to tell you if anything happens that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Children should always carry identification including name, address, telephone number and emergency contact information on them.
Always keep an updated photo of your child with pertinent information, ie. height, weight, eye colour.
Keep communication open in your relationship with your children, this will ensure that they will share any doubts or fears they may have.
For other useful information please visit the OPP website at www.opp.ca.
