Police Alert: Several Incidents of Strangers Approaching Young Girls

South Pasadena Police want the public to know that recently officers have received several calls about adults attempting to annoy or lure children, particularly girls.

In the department's April Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, officers write that the suspect usually attempts to get the children’s attention by talking to them, either asking for directions or waving to them, pretending to be friendly and saying “hi.'' One recent incident occurred in the 600 block of Camino Cerrado. You may view details in the PDF attached to this article.

In all of the incidents, the children did the correct thing: They were walking with friends, ignored the suspect, walked away and told their parents, the newsletter states.

The incidents prompted police to draft this list of safety tips for parents to discuss with their kids: 

 • Explain what a “stranger” is and that strangers come in many shapes and sizes.

 • Remind your child never to talk to strangers and never accept a ride from a stranger.

 •  Remind your children never to accept gifts from a stranger.

 • Don’t have your child walk alone! Always walk with friends. Most suspects are alone, and less likely attempt to grab your child if they are with friends.

 • Be sure your child knows how to contact you in an emergency

 • Teach your child that if a stranger approaches driving a car, turn and run in the oppo- site direction. It is difficult for a vehicle to make a u-turn.

 • If your child is being followed, run to the nearest store and ask for help.

 • Have a route to school mapped out and be sure your children stick with it. Also, consider having a “safe house” somewhere on the route. This can be a store or a friend’s house.

 • Know where the “Emergency Call Boxes” are located on your child’s route. These are red poles with a blue light that connects directly to the police department.

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