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March 02, 2016 - 2:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - Staff at local schools are increasing vigilance after two young boys were approached by a suspicious man on the weekend.
Police say on Sunday evening, Feb. 28, two boys playing near Kelly Drive and Tranquille Road were approached by a man, on foot ,who offered them cash in exchange for coming home with him. The boys refused his offer and returned home where they told a parent what happened.
While the police investigation is underway, School District 73 Supt. Karl deBruijn says he’s ensuring staff is made aware of the incident so an extra set of eyes are out for suspicious activity.
DeBruijn says the district was notified March 1 after the boys’ parent spoke to her children’s school principal. DeBruijn notified the remaining Kamloops principals who asked teachers to review stranger awareness with their students and elevate supervision in the area. Parents have also been encouraged to have a similar talk with their children.
“These kids did the right thing; they refused and took off,” he says. “I wish we didn’t have to deal with it in the first place. I’m frustrated that people that do these kinds of things are out there."
In addition to speaking with students, more staff members will be keeping an eye out during dismissal, deBruijn says. After getting in touch with RCMP, extra cruisers were patrolling the area which helped reassure concerns.
When it comes to creating an awareness about potential predators, deBruijn says it’s a ‘delicate balance’.
“We don’t want to create terror,” he says. “But we also don’t want to err on the side of doing nothing."
The suspect is described as 40 years old, with a smaller build and dark hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black coat, sweatpants and carried a black and red backpack.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016