Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania would like to encourage all parents to encourage their children to be “stranger aware” in light of recent incidents in the Launceston area.
The following are a few strategies that can be passed onto children.
Remind your children to not engage in conversation with strangers. It can make it easier for the stranger to trick them.
Children should never divulge their name and address. Nor should they provide strangers with directions. The grown-up should ask another grown-up.
Every child should keep a good distance between themselves and a stranger to avoid the potential of being grabbed.
Never accept gifts, lollies or anything from a stranger.
It is likely to be a trick if a stranger asks a child to assist in looking for a lost cat or dog.
Avoid strange cars. Do not get in a car without your parent/guardian permission. Even if the stranger claims to know the childs parents, they should not enter the vehicle.
Where possible, get children to walk together, rather than alone. Avoid short cuts through bushland or dark alleys.
Jan Dunsby – Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania
