Haddonfield Police Department

Child Safety Tips Regarding Stangers

[Back to main police department page]

• A stranger is someone that is not familiar to you.
• A child should not go near a vehicle unless they know the person in the car even if the person is asking for directions.  First, put some distance between yourself and the car then tell the person you cannot help them and walk away.
• If someone asks you for assistance tell them you will get an adult then go tell your parents, a teacher, a police officer or someone you know and trust.  The same goes for someone who claims to be hurt.
• Children should not walk or ride their bikes alone if at all possible.
• Parents should know where their children are at all times.  Ask your child before he/she leaves the house to go anywhere.  Check to make sure your child has reached their destination safely.
• If someone you don’t know is following you on foot or in a car, stay away from them.  If they are following you in a car, you can turn and go in the opposite direction or even go to a home or store that you are familiar with and let them know what is going on.  If they are on foot behind or around you, put some distance between you and that person.  If you speed up and they then speed up, get to a safe place, a neighbor’s house, a friend’s house, a store you are familiar with and let them know what is going on.  CALL the Police.  Don’t hesitate to call the police to make a report of the incident, because you don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
• ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
• Children should be taught that if anyone gives them a gift or shows them a great deal of attention that they should inform their parents.  One of the biggest misconceptions about the danger of a child being abducted is that abductions are only carried out by strangers.  In a majority of cases, children are abducted by a person they or their parents know (parent, relative, family friend.)
• If a stranger wants to take a child’s picture when the parent is not present the child should tell the parents immediately and give details of where and when this took place.
• Let your child know it is okay to say NO to an adult, especially someone they do not know, in certain circumstances.
   

Subjects:

Child Safety Tips Regarding Strangers
What is Suspicious?
Don’t be a Victim
Make Yourself a Good Witness
Most Common Juvenile Delinquencies Experienced
Juvenile Arrest / Police Diversion Information
Firearms Applications and Investigations Information