NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
*************************
On Monday, February 22, 2016 shortly after 3 p.m. students of Holly Meadows Elementary School reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the area of Cummings Drive, in the City of Barrie., while walking home from school.
The Barrie Police Service has investigated the incident and believes the white cargo van that was seen in the area had been doing deliveries, and no time did the driver of the vehicle make an attempt to lure the students to the vehicle.
Police have determined there is no threat to public safety.
We encourage parents to always review safety protocols with their children.
Here are a few safety tips to follow:
- If your child walks to school or to the bus stop, try to arrange a walking buddy or group.
- If your child walks to school, make sure they go along main routes that are well-travelled, rather than taking shortcuts through deserted areas.
- Develop a "what if" game for your child to get them thinking about how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.
- Know who your child plays with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses and phone numbers.
- Do not leave your child in unsupervised locations, such as cars, parks, public washrooms, arenas, malls and plazas, etc.
- Teach your children where and how to get help. Go with them on their regularly travelled routes and identify safe places to go for help.
- Teach your child to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your child is trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.
*************************
