It has been brought to our attention that the Redford Township police department issued a stranger danger alert Wednesday, October 19, 2016 after a group of children were approached while waiting for the school bus. The incident happened at the intersection of Alton and Ivanhoe avenues.
A 10-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother were at the bus stop Wednesday at 8:10 a.m. when a man pulled up in an older blue car that looked like an old taxi.
The children said he talked to them and had some disturbing things to say.
There were two other children at the stop. One ran to tell her mother, who called Redford police.
Officials tried to find the man, but they haven't been successful.
Should you or your child witness any suspicious individual(s) or experience any similar circumstances, immediately contact a DEAW staff member and the Redford Township Police Department at (313) 387-2500 or call 911.
Please take this opportunity to review safety procedures with your child.
Here's what the experts recommend:
- Teach children what kind of touching is appropriate and inappropriate.
- Show kids how to say "No!" and get away fast if someone does or says something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Help kids understand who a safe grownup is. Let them know who the trusted adults in their lives are. Remember, however, that many adults in "trusted" positions hurt children.
- People who hurt kids often scare them by saying they will hurt their parents or other loved ones if they tell. Don't believe them. Kids can and should always tell a safe grownup if someone does something that hurts them or makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Teach children to always let a trusted grownup know where they are going.
- Kids should play and travel in groups. Being alone makes them more susceptible to being hurt.
- Abductors often trick children into going with them quietly. Teach your kids that adults should ask for help from adults, not children. Abductors have tricked kids into going with them by offering candy, toys, saying that their puppy is lost, or asking the child if they want to see a baby animal or if they can give them directions. If an adult is asking for help, they should say "No!" and run away to tell a safe grownup.
- Some abusers pay extra attention to one child, or give the child gifts for no reason in order to build trust with the child before they hurt them. Teach your child to tell you right away if someone gives them a gift or extra attention.
- If the worst should happen, and an abductor is actually grabbing a child, they should fall on the ground, kick, scream, bite, and fight as hard and make as much noise as they can.
It's important to role play with your child
Practice dangerous situations with your child and show them how to say "No," how to run away, and how to make a bunch of noise. Don't assume that once is enough. Take advantage of opportunities to discuss this issue with your kids regularly.
Be aware that talking about these things can frighten your child
Be sure to talk to them in a calm tone. Don't try to terrify them into being safe, and be careful not to let your fear frighten them. Explain that like a fire or earthquake, these situations probably won't happen to them, but that they should be prepared just in case. Help them understand that worrying won't keep them safe, but knowing how to act will help protect them.
As always, we are available to help in any way necessary to ensure the well-being of our students.
Sincerely,
Tyron D. Hurd