Police rule out danger after suspicious person report
RCMP in Kelowna say there is no danger to the public after a report of a suspicious man chasing a child this morning.
On Friday (Mar. 12), Mounties responded to a report of a man possibly following a child near Ziprick Road and Renfrew Road in Kelowna.
“Officers immediately attended the area and began an investigation,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said. “The man reported in this incident has been identified and we have been able to confirm that he was not following the child, but rather walking in the same direction.”
This incident follows two other reports regarding suspects allegedly following children in the Rutland area over the past two weeks.
“The man in this morning’s incident does not match the descriptions provided in either of the previous investigations,” said Noseworthy, “Those matters are still being investigated, and we continue to ask anyone with information on those incidents to contact us.”
Given the current concerns in the community, RCMP are providing some street-proofing tips for parents to discuss with their kids.
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 (for e.g. a cashier or security guard) immediately
- Avoid conversations with strangers. If someone you do not know asks personal questions of you, 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 (e.g. 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