Police are seeking the public’s help after a young girl was approached Friday by a man in Bradford.
The South Simcoe Police Service said a 12-year-old girl was walking home from school near Northgate Drive and Prince Drive when she was spoken to by a man driving a dark-coloured, four-door car with silver rims.
The girl did not respond to the driver and she ran home.
The man is described as being white, in his 50s, with short grey hair, white-grey stubble, and no accent.
Anyone with information, including security camera or dash cam footage, is asked to contact police at 905-775-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). They would also like to hear from anyone else who might have been approached by the man.
Police provided the following tips:
- Teach children not to go anywhere with anyone without first getting permission from a parent/guardian;
- Teach children never to accept anything from anyone unless they have permission from a parent/guardian;
- Practise scenarios with your child. Ask them what they would do if someone approaches them, asks them for help, or says their parent sent them;
- Encourage your child to tell a parent or trusted adult if someone approaches them, or if a situation makes them uncomfortable;
- Teach your child to trust their instincts and the importance of paying attention to their surroundings;
- Encourage children to always have a buddy with them, if possible.
