A local family contacted New Westminster police after a suspicious incident involving an 11-year-old girl and a stranger.
Al Balanuik, assistant superintendent of schools in New Westminster, issued a letter to parents regarding an incident that occurred on the afternoon of April 4 in the Herbert Spencer/Glenbrook area of the city.
"The New Westminster Police Service was contacted by a parent after her 11-year-old daughter was approached on her way home from school by an older male holding a green garbage bag. He said there were toys inside the bag," said the notice sent home to parents on April 11. "A small white pickup truck was parked nearby and a second male inside the vehicle called out to the first man..."
The suspect who approached the girl is described as being; a heavy-set Caucasian male; aged 55 to 60; white, curly hair; about 5'6" in height; with ruddy skin. He wore large square metallic-rimmed glasses and a light-coloured (possibly light brown) long-sleeved shirt, and appeared intoxicated.
The notice states that people should notify police immediately if another incident of a similar nature occurs and cite file number NW 2012-6045.
In addition to alerting parents to the incident, the notice suggested parents and guardians take a few minutes to review safety recommendations with their children: always walk to and from school and play areas with at least one friend because there's safety in numbers; if something unusual happens, the children should report the incident immediately to an adult who they know and trust; and if they feel endangered in any way, get away.
Balanuik stated that children's safety is of "paramount importance" to the school district.
"We will continue to liaise with the New Westminster police with respect to this matter," he wrote. --
