Halifax police step up ‘Stranger Danger’ lessons after recent incidents

Halifax Regional Police have stepped up classes in Dartmouth that teach children how to deal with strangers after four incidents within two weeks in the area.

On Jan. 25, police said a man asked a boy to get into his car on Galaxy Avenue.

Three days later, a man, described to be about 30 years old, was spotted allegedly taking a video of children on adjoining Gaston Street.

On Jan. 30, police reported that a man was seen touching himself with this pants down by a four-year-old in the Maplehurst Drive area.

Sunday, three girls saw a man allegedly masturbating in a minivan in a parking lot near Kennedy Drive. The suspect from was described as an older white man.

The incidents happened within about a 10-minute drive from each other.

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The Jan. 25 suspect was described as being about 50-60 years old and having a grey beard, the same description as the Jan. 30 suspect.

“We’re trying to see if there’s any link to any of the incidents,” said Cst. Sue Mitchell, a school liaison officer.

No charges or arrests have been announced, but she and other officers have been holding “Stranger Danger” classes at two schools (so far) near where the first incident happened.

“We’re educating the students and the teachers with regards to the difference between a good stranger and a bad stranger,” said Mitchell, adding that the good ones would include a doctor, police officer, and nurse.

Children learn techniques in the program to stay safe, such as walking in groups and using pathways when travelling, and drawing as much attention as possible to oneself when feeling in danger.

An important part for victims and witnesses is to come forward to police to help catch the people responsible and prevent similar incidents from happening again, Mitchell added.