(File photo/ rdnewsNOW staff)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Walking to school

Two children offered ride by stranger in Oriole Park, police say

Nov 19, 2024 | 11:14 AM

Red Deer RCMP are reminding children and parents about safety precautions that should be taken when walking to school, following an incident in Oriole Park last week.

RCMP received a report at 9:19 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 from staff at a local school, that two students were approached by an unknown driver while walking to school.

The driver allegedly offered to give them a ride but the children declined and left the area.

That same day, Ecole Oriole Park School issued a letter to families notifying them of the incident. They say the two students made it safely to school where they reported it to staff.

“As a proactive measure, we ask that you remind your child to follow their usual route and to not accept rides from anyone not arranged by you,” as stated in the letter.

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“It can also be helpful to talk with your child about staying aware of their surroundings and making safe choices.

“Our schools will continue to encourage these good habits. Thank you for partnering with us to help students build confidence in making safe choices every day.”

The RCMP suggest students walking to school should stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, walk in groups, follow safe routes, trust their instincts, and do not accept rides or gifts from strangers.

Police say if offered a ride, it’s important to firmly say no and leave the area, go to a safe place, and report the incident.

Police also offered tips for parents to discuss with their children including:

• Open communication: Regularly talk with your child about their route to and from school and what to do in unusual situations.
• Roleplay scenarios and set up a plan: Practice how to respond if a stranger approaches. Make sure your child knows who they can trust and who they can go for help.
• Emergency contact: Teach your child how to call you or another trust adult and remember important phone numbers.
• Come up with a codeword: If someone other than yourself has to pick up your child come up with a codeword so they can be sure the person who picking them up is a trusted adult.