The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is asking parents to remain vigilant following three recent reports of youth being approached by suspicious people.
The incidents occurred on March 12, 15 and 16. Police are unsure if the incidents are related in any way or if the suspects are known to each other.
PAPS spokesperson Sgt. Travis Willie said reported abductions are rare in Prince Albert, but the police service thought it was important information for parents to be aware of.
“We certainly don’t want people to panic, however we feel that this information is important,” Willie explained. “As a parent myself, with two kids in the community, I would want to know. I think it’s important that all parents know.”
The first reported incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on March 12, along the 3000 block of Sixth Avenue East. Police reported that white male with dark, curly hair in a grey Dodge truck approached two females and asked them if they wanted to get in. He drove away after they refused. Witnesses say the man was in his 40s.
The second incident occurred on March 15, 2018 shortly after 7 p.m. on Bowerman Crescent. According to the police, a dark-skinned male driving a black two-door car approached a male youth, offered him candy and asked him to get inside. The youth ran away from the vehicle.
The final incident took place around 9 p.m. on March 16 along the 1600 block of 15th Street West, when two youths were followed by a suspect described as a black male driving a new, white car. After following them, the driver pointed at the pair and drove away without saying anything.
Willie said each incident was reported by a different officer. Police decided to release the information after realizing they had three similar situations that happened within the span of less than a week.
“I think it’s just a good reminder to, again, talk to your kids and remind them about safety (and) what route (they take) to and from school,” Willie said. “Stick to the main roads, and have that talk with your kids about strangers because I think it’s never a bad thing to talk with your kids about that.”
