RCMP urge parents to talk to kids after abduction reports

With RCMP investigating multiple reports of child abductions, they are reminding parents to ensure kids know how to stay safe.

Police are looking into three incidents that have occurred since May 29, 2018:

On May 31, Carlyle RCMP received a report of two separate 10-year-old girls who had been approached by a man offering them a ride. Police weren’t able to find the vehicle or man. Further investigation determined the incident had not taken place.

On May 31, 2018, RCMP began an investigation into several Facebook posts commenting on an attempted child abduction on the Piapot First Nation. The social media posts indicated the incident happened on May 6, but it was not reported to police. Investigators located the girl mentioned in the posts and are still investigating.

On May 29, 2018, Broadview RCMP responded to a reported attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation. This investigation remains ongoing.

Sgt. Devin Pugh, commander of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s south district, issued a statement saying the incidents are not believed to be related. He urged parents to discuss basic safety tips with their children.

Points parents can bring up with their children include:

• Be aware of surroundings and note suspicious people or vehicles and report them promptly to teachers, parents or other trusted adults
• Listen to earbuds through one ear only, so you can hear traffic, people, dogs or any other potential hazards
• Do not approach a vehicle if you don’t know the person inside
• Do not talk to strangers
• Have a friend walk with you if possible
• Stick to sidewalks along busy streets as opposed to cutting through alleys or parks