With spring in full swing our school children are out and about more and it’s a good time to have meaningful talks around “stranger danger.” Unfortunately, it’s that time of year when local RCMP start receiving more reports about our children being approached by strangers and suspicious incidents, yes even in the Bay and surrounding communities.
The good news is residents are encouraged to report all incidents they believe to be suspicious by calling the non-emergency number 902-490-5020. But if you believe someone is in danger don’t hesitate to call 911. Local police emphasize the importance of calling a suspicious person in and have them investigated rather than make the call after someone has taken a child.
If you see a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road, or driving back and forth on the road you might want to call the non-emergency line. When at playgrounds and activity centres look at who’s around. Is someone there without children- do they appear suspicious? You may think there’s nothing criminal in nature but it could be someone that’s trying to hide their identity and/or could be breaching their legal conditions, so it’s important to follow up on all incidents and have those individuals identified before an incident may occur.
Have a plan and let your child know who is going to pick them up at a certain time and place and don’t go with anyone else. Let your child know if the family member doesn’t show up on time your children should call a family member or stay with a close friend until they are safely picked up.
You might also consider planning a buddy system and establish boundaries so your child knows it’s “OK” should something strange occur to “walk away and report something to an adult immediately”.
Volunteers of the Tantallon RCMP detachment currently serving
Kingswood • Tantallon • St Margarets Bay • Hubbards • Peggy’s Cove • Prospect • Sambro
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Theft, Speeding, Break-ins, Vandalizing, Impaired Driving and more
INFO@COPTANTALLON.ca or visit NSCOPA.ca