RCMP was made aware of a "suspicious" incident when an unknown man approached children in Port Coquitlam this week.
Spokesperson Stefanie Price explained in an email to the Tri-City News two girls were walking westbound on Central Avenue when a man approached and talked to them.
The pair ran away and police said they made it home safely.
Price is advising all parents to create a safety plan so their kids can get home safely.
"If a situation arises that makes you feel uncomfortable, get to the nearest public place as soon as possible, take a regular route home and do not deviate, carry a cell phone to call police and note the description of anyone acting suspicious."
In a tweet, Coquitlam RCMP also recommend kids walk in groups and to stay in populated areas.
Meanwhile, a mother claims a man approached her son and other kids — near the corner of Central Avenue and Mary Hill Road — as they were walking home from school on Thursday (Oct. 14), offering them a ride to Walmart to buy cookies.
The story has circulated on social media as an alleged attempted child abduction and a police file has since been created.
The Tri-City News has reached out to Mounties for more details about this incident, but have yet to receive a response as of this publication (Oct. 15).
According to the woman's statement on social media, the kids were by the field at Central Community Elementary when a white vehicle pulled up beside them.
A man allegedly stepped out and walked toward them.
The kids also ran away after he opened the vehicle's door and asked if the kids wanted a ride to Wal-Mart.
The man, as described by the mother, is as follows:
- Late 30s to early 40s
- About 5'10"
- Pudgy build
- Balding dark hair
- Long goatee
- High-pitched voice
- Wearing a black shirt
The woman says another man, described as tall and skinny, was also allegedly inside the vehicle.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number #21-28496.
