Crime Prevention Tips - Stranger Danger

A stranger is someone that you don't know. Most strangers will not try to harm you, but some strangers are dangerous, even if they dress nice or look friendly. Never take rides, candy, gifts, or money from strangers. It's okay to say "NO THANK YOU." Bottom-line - If you don't know the person, don't go with them!

Always report to a police officer, a parent, a teacher or any adult you know if a stranger does the following:

Tries to join in your play.
Asks you to go with him/her. They may ask you to help them find a puppy, or tell you that your mom sent them to pick you up etc. They have many stories they use to get you to go with them.
Tries to have a conversation with you or touch you while you are at the movies, playground, or walking anywhere.
Offers you a ride, candy, gum, or money.
Always try to get a full description of the stranger and their vehicle. This should include: age, height, hair, facial hair, identifying marks (tattoo's, scars), clothes, car, location.
If you see a suspicious car, take down the license number with a pencil and paper; write it in the dirt or on the sidewalk with a stick or stone.

Parents...Teach Your Children:

Their full name, address, and phone number, including area code.
Your full name, where you work, and phone number.
Your Secret Password -- A word known only by you and your child.
Never to go with anyone who does not give your Secret Password.
A Police Officer is his/her friend. Many times in stores we hear parents telling their children "You better watch it......or I'll have the Police Officer get you etc..." Please don't teach them that. Rather, let them know if they are in trouble, they can come to us for help.
To scream "HELP - STRANGER - DANGER" if they are in trouble.

How to make a long distance call, get the operator, and dial 9-1-1 and our direct police line (242-2727). We have stickers available at the PD that you can place on all of your phones for your children.

Children...Beware of Strangers. Watch out for Stranger Danger!

Children...Remember Stranger Danger Rules:

SAY NO!
GET AWAY!
TELL SOMEONE!
SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO YELL!

Play Safe!

Never play in alleys or deserted buildings.
Take a friend along when you go to playgrounds, stores, movies, etc.
Come home before dark.
Never go anywhere unless you have your parent's permission and Secret Password.
Play in safe places with friends. Never, never play in strange places.

Telephone Tips

Phone home to tell your parents where you are if you change locations or will be late.
Never tell a caller that you are home alone.
Dial 9-1-1 or our direct line 242-2727 if you are home alone and need help in an emergency.
Let mom or dad know where you are. Remember, always ask before you go somewhere.

Attention Mom and Dad

This information is to aid you as parents in teaching your child about the problem of the potential child molester. As parents, we have a role in this problem. The child needs to know some very basic steps in avoiding this situation, without frightening the child unnecessarily.

The child is taught through STRANGER DANGER that a stranger is just someone they don't know. They need to learn how to tell the difference between a good stranger and STRANGER DANGER.

STRANGER DANGER will try to trick the child using a toy, money, candy, or anything else they might think of. They will also try to take the child away from the places where they play.

Take time to sit down with your children and discuss your secret password and practice types of situations they may come across.

Also, be sure to fingerprint your children and take current photos. If you need help with this just contact the station on day shift and make arrangements to get this done.

Know your children's friends and places they like to hang out.

Remember time is critical, especially the first hour of an actual abduction. If you child is missing, call us. We would much rather have you call us back saying it was a false alarm than wait and be too late. Be vigilant. We will assist you in anyway that we can. There are additional resources at the county, state and federal level that we can mobilize if an actual abduction takes place.

Many times, parents go out looking for their child for a couple hours and then they contact us. We would prefer that you call us so that we can look together.

We hope this information can be used as a valuable tool for the child when aided by mom and dad. Should you need further assistance, please contact the St. Bernard Police Department's Crime Prevention Officer.