Watch above: In the last few days, with the warmer weather, Saskatoon police have received several reports of suspicious men in different areas of Saskatoon. Meaghan Craig finds out what parents can do to warn and arm their children.
SASKATOON – Four cases of suspicious males have been reported to police in a matter of one week starting on March 3. Children walking to or from school say they were approached and at times threatened by a male not known to them.
Saskatoon police say there is no indication the incidents are related in any way.
“Two of them happened in northwest division and two of them happened in east division and we have our school resource officers looking into the details of each one,” said Alyson Edwards, Saskatoon Police Service spokesperson.
Still the incidents have parents worried for their children’s safety.
“It’s very concerning even though we just live up the block here, he can’t walk by himself any more.”
Police say they do see higher volumes of suspicious activity calls when the weather starts to warm up and there are more children walking to school.
“They’re told to keep an eye out and we’re pleased that they are obviously and they’re letting us know,” remarked Edwards.
Vigilance that can also sometimes results in unintentional false reports.
Investigations are underway in all incidents to see if the activity was criminal in nature.
“If we felt there was an immediate danger to students we would have all of our resources dedicated to it,” stressed Edwards.
“At this point, it looks like we have a couple of reports to follow up more carefully and the overall message needs to be that parents should be arming their children with the knowledge and the tools to stay safe.”
Sue Ramsay with Child Find Saskatchewan says parents are a child’s first line of defence when it comes to their safety.
“Practice scenarios with your children if somebody were to grab them, they are to yell, scream, fight and scream words ‘No! I don’t like this! You are not my mom, you are not my father!’ that’s different than the typical kid having a meltdown in a grocery store and to do everything they can to get away.”
Remind your children to walk in pairs in well lit, populated areas and to be aware of their surroundings.
“Tell them to turn around, have a look around, see who’s around them, see where they are in their surroundings, where they might be able to go for help should somebody come upon them,” said Ramsay.
If you or your child is witness to suspicious activity police say to report it immediately.
“The sooner we know the sooner we can respond and begin investigating it.”
Officials with Child Find also remind parents to tell their children not to ignore their sixth sense.
“Children need to know they can trust their own instincts, any time you feel uncomfortable run.”
More information on each of the incidents:
March 10: Suspicious man in College Park reported to Saskatoon police
March 6: Brother, sister approached by suspicious man in Saskatoon
March 5: Man sought by police after girl approached in Silverwood Heights
March 3: Boy scares away suspicious Saskatoon man by yelling at him
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