Stranger danger incidents at Vernon schools

Vernon RCMP is investigating following two suspicious occurrences involving an individual who approached children yesterday.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, an unknown person approached a group of students at Harwood Elementary School at about 1:20 p.m. yesterday, Oct. 19.

Police said a group of students near the edge of school grounds were asked for directions to a local business by an unknown man who then left the area.

"The school activated a hold and secure protocol which was lifted shortly after police arrived and determined there was no risk," the RCMP say in a media release.

Not long afterwards, at 3:20 p.m., police received a report that a 10-year-old girl walking home from Ellison Elementary School had an interaction with a stranger.

"Initial information was that the girl was following behind a man walking a medium-sized brown dog who got into a vehicle. As the girl walked by the vehicle, the dog was in the passenger seat with the window rolled down. The man asked the child if she wanted to pet the dog. The girl replied no and the man drove away," the release said.

Police say they are working with School District 22 and continuing to investigate the incidents.

"Based on (the) information we have at this time, there is nothing to indicate any criminality in either. In each of these situations, the children acted appropriately and notified a trusted adult. We felt it necessary to inform the public for their awareness or to invite the persons involved to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP," the release said.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in the release that children are the force's "utmost priority."

"We want to ensure our children have the tools and knowledge to keep themselves safe when they are out in public and parents and caregivers play an important role in that," he said. "Safety education is important and helps kids prepare for situations they may encounter. Talk to your kids and establish safe habits for interacting with strangers, what to watch out for, and what to do if they feel unsafe."

RCMP have safety tips and information for parents which can be found here.

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