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District alerts parents to stranger run-ins

The New Westminster School District is again alerting parents to some recent suspicious run-ins between strangers and students. Al Balanuik, assistant superintendent, sent a letter home to parents on Nov. 29 informing them of three reports.

The New Westminster School District is again alerting parents to some recent suspicious run-ins between strangers and students.

Al Balanuik, assistant superintendent, sent a letter home to parents on Nov. 29 informing them of three reports.

According to Balanuik, on Nov. 28, a Grade 1 boy from Connaught Heights Elementary reported that a strange man tried to take him by the hand in the school courtyard after class.

On the same day, a Grade 7 student from John Robson Elementary said he was followed home by an older man driving a van.

The week before, a group of male students in grades 7 and 8 at Glenbrook Middle School reported a strange man standing on the nearby overpass, taking pictures of the boys.

Balanuik said he did not know if the incidents were related.

As with every letter from Balanuik to parents, he shares some basic safety tips for kids when it comes to walking to and from school: Always walk and play outside with at least one friend. There is safety in numbers. If something unusual happens, reported it immediately to a trusted adult, and always flee any situation that feels dangerous.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call New Westminster police.

brichter@royalcityrecord.com