N.S. RCMP shares what parents, kids should know when it comes to ‘stranger danger’

We chat with the NS RCMP and get important tips on when it comes to stranger danger.

Summer is a favourite time of year for many children with the school year wrapping up and vacations and camps ahead, but it’s also a good time of year to have conversations about the realities of “stranger danger.”

While there have been recent reports about children being approached by strangers, the Nova Scotia RCMP says the force gets reports on a “somewhat regular basis” about suspicious incidents.

Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay, a public information officer, says it’s important people report all incidents they believe to be suspicious.

“It’s not always someone that looks scary that’s out there that you want to report … a stranger is someone you simply don’t know very well,” he told CTV Morning Live’s Crystal Garrett.

Tremblay stressed if people believe someone is in danger they should dial 911, but some incidents are more worthy of a non-emergency call.

“If you see a suspicious vehicle, with summer changes and the kids going to summer camp and the school year ending, and you know the vehicles in your neighbourhood and that vehicle is not usually parked there, it’s kind of out of the ordinary, you might want to call the HRM non-emergency line, which is 902-490-5020, or your local RCMP detachment wherever you reside in Nova Scotia,” he said.

“As a police officer I’d much rather go to a suspicious person that’s unfounded rather than show up when someone has taken a child.”

One of the recent incidents in the province involved a man who allegedly grabbed a child, exposed himself, and uttered threats.

Another involved a man reportedly wearing a ski mask and ski goggles taking photos of children at a playground in Middle Sackville.

Tremblay called the incidents “very concerning behavior.”

“Initially you may think there’s nothing criminal in nature, but it could be someone that’s trying to hide their identity that could be breaching their conditions, so it’s important to follow up on all incidents and identify those individuals and know what their intent is at the end of the day,” he said.

How parents warn their children can depend on their age. Tremblay suggests parents talk to young children about potential scenarios, like picking them up from a birthday party.

“Maybe talk to them and say, ‘Daddy’s going to pick you up today, it’s only going to be Mommy or Daddy coming to pick you up, don’t go with anyone else, do not leave the area, maybe stay with a friend at the party, stay with your friend, your best friend all the time,’” he said.

“It’s best to have a buddy system and establish boundaries, so make sure your child knows it’s OK to walk away and report something to an adult immediately.”

Tremblay added parents should take advantage of pre-teens and teen’s cellphone use and check-in with them at home during the day.

“Whether it’s a text message or an application on one of your devices, maybe you have some smart devices at your home, like a doorbell camera, maybe you’re expecting a delivery. You want to make sure your kids are aware that there’s going to be a delivery coming, the service that it’s coming from and maybe not to answer the door depending on their age,” he said.

Tremblay also had some advice for parents.

“If you are with your child at a playground, I know a lot of us, we’re busy, we’re on the go, you’re reading emails on your phone, and you’re reading the news, keep an eye on your children. Look who’s around, see if anyone is there without children perhaps, maybe report that suspicious activity.”

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