The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office along with The Parker Police Department, The Castle Rock Police Department and the Douglas County School District would like to remind parents and guardians of young children some tips to help protect them when walking home from school or when home alone:
- Stay with a group. Always walk with at least one friend, two or three is even better.
- If a stranger offers you a ride, say “NO!” and stay far away from their car.
- If a stranger follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. You can run and yell loudly, “HELP!”- If a stranger follows you in a car, turn around and go the other direction.
- Never leave school with a stranger.
- Tell a trusted adult if a stranger is hanging around the school, playground, or public bathroom.
- Leave items and clothing that display your name at home so a stranger cannot read it and use it to talk with you.
- If you arrive home alone, call your mother, father, or other trusted adult to let them know you are home and all right. Keep the door locked, don’t open the door for strangers, and don’t tell strangers that you are home alone.
- Never accept things from a stranger.
- If a stranger asks you a question, don’t talk to them. Run away.
- Don’t go anywhere with a stranger.
- Report any suspicious activity, suspicious person or a suspicious vehicle to a trusted adult immediately.
These are just a few ways that you can keep your child safe. Providing a safe environment is a parent’s responsibility. One of the best things you can do for your children is to educate them and make them aware of dangers they might face without frightening them.