Mounties investigate attempted child abduction in Craik

RCMP members at the Craik detachment are looking for a man driving a white car who allegedly tried kidnapping a pre-teen girl outside of the town’s school at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

In a media release, Mounties said the girl reported the incident to school staff right after it happened.

“An adult male in a white vehicle approached her and asked if she needed a ride. When she declined, the male insisted, but then left in the vehicle travelling southbound on the gravel road toward Highway 11,” the media release said.

Mounties searched the area around the school, but couldn’t find the man or the car.

They believe he was wearing a dark shirt, wasn’t wearing a hat or glasses and didn’t have facial hair. The man’s car is “described as being a clean, white, newer model car, possibly with four doors. No licence plate information is available.”

RCMP want anyone with information about the incident and especially anyone who may have seen the car at around 4 p.m. in the Craik area to call them at 306-734-5200, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

They’re also encouraging parents to give their kids the following safety advice:

• 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