Parents in a north Burnaby neighbourhood are on edge after a local school reported an attempted child luring in the area.
St. Helen’s School has issued a warning to parents about an older-looking man who approached an eight-year-old girl Friday afternoon shortly after class let out.
Principal Waldemar Sambor said the girl told her mother, who immediately contacted school staff.
“Her daughter was approached by the fellow, by the stranger, and offered candies, and he tried to ask her to follow him to his van,” Sambor said.
The school then called its Liaison Officer and the mother called 911.
An investigation has been launched, and Sambor said he’s asking the RCMP to have an officer come to the school and speak with students. He also urged all parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“Keep watching for unusual situations,” he said. “It takes a village to educate a student, but also takes a village to provide safety for a student.”
The suspect is described as a man in his 70s with a long grey and white beard. He wore ripped brown clothing.
Police said no other incidents have been reported.
Anyone who witnessed the alleged luring attempt or has information on a suspect is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP detachment at 604-294-7922.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Julie Nolin and Sheila Scott
