File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Student Followed

Kamloops student followed; RCMP encourage street-proof awareness

Feb 24, 2021 | 1:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — A student was walking home last week when she noticed a man who appeared to be following her.

Kamloops RCMP said a suspicious person near a school on the 900-block of Southill Street was following a girl after class hours on Friday (Feb. 19) at 3:20 p.m.

The student returned to school, running, and eventually lost sight of the man.

The man was described as white, 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.

Cpl. Dana Napier said while incidents of child abduction are rare, it never hurts to reinforce basic safety principals with children in case they are approached.

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“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,” Napier said. “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.”

Street-proofing tips to discuss with kids include everyday basics and what to do in the community.

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 (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 (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