Child safety in the spotlight as predators prowl the streets of Springs
Teach your children about stranger danger.
The CPF noted recent kidnapping attempts around Springs, and they wanted to warn parents.In one incident, caught on CCTV, a man approaches two boys on the street.
The boys were walking home from school.
“In the footage, the man started talking to the boys. Apparently, he asked them to help him fold some jerseys.
“He claimed his car was around the corner,” explained Barend van Heerden, chairperson of the Springs CPF and EEC Cluster DC operations commander.
According to Van Heerden, the two eventually agreed to help the man.
“They walked a few meters to where he said the car was, but when they noticed there was no car, the boys knew something was wrong and fled,” he added.
Van Heerden said he did not want parents to panic but instead to teach their children how to relate to strangers.
“Our children need to understand why it is dangerous to go anywhere with strangers.
“If adults are available to walk the children to school, they should.
“Older children can carry panic buttons if they have access to them,” he advised.
He also advised parents to teach their children emergency numbers, including the CPF numbers for the areas.
“It is also our responsibility as adults to be vigilant. If you see someone or a group loitering around a school or park, you can call the CPF or police.
“Let us work together to make the town safe for our children,” he concluded.
