Perth County OPP appeal for information after child approached by stranger in Milverton

Perth County OPP are reminding parents about the importance of talking to their children about stranger danger after an incident in Milverton this weekend.

Officers say they were called after a young child was allegedly approached by a suspect in a car Saturday around 4:30 p.m. on Mill Street East.

The male suspect is said to have asked the child if they wanted to go for a ride. The child refused and ran away.

Const. Michael Melnychuk said this is a good opportunity for parents to talk to their children about what to do if a stranger approaches them.

“If you’re approached on the street, [parents should discuss] who are safe people to go to for assistance, let’s say clerks at stores, policemen, firemen,” he said. “[Children should] always talk to their parents about where you’re going, what time you’re anticipated to get there, who’s place you’re at, and how your parents and you can continue to communicate while you’re there, and if you don’t make a certain time frame that you have a safety plan in place, like how to get a hold of your parents.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you're approached on the street, [parents should discuss] who are safe people to go to for assistance, let's say clerks at stores, policemen, firemen," he said. "[Children should] always talk to their parents about where you're going, what time you're anticipated to get there, who's place you're at, and how your parents and you can continue to communicate while you're there, and if you don't make a certain time frame that you have a safety plan in place, like how to get a hold of your parents."

The suspect is described as having tan skin, with dark hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a black toque and a green long-sleeve shirt.

The vehicle is said to have been dark in colour with a dent in the back door/trunk area.

The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone with information who can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 393-6123. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web tip at http://www.pc-crimestoppers.ca/, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.