As parents we should always remember to keep our children’s safety in mind and to immediately report to the police department any incident of a stranger approaching a child. Please take a few moments to review these safety tips with your children.

Children should be taught/reminded to:

• Stay alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, like you think someone is following you, you are probably right. Try to notice if an adult is hanging around your school playground, your park or yard, and then go to where you know you can find other people.

• If you think someone is following you, cross the street and go into a store. Don't try to hide - go to where you know you can find other people.

• If someone tries to grab you, kick, punch and yell: "NO! I don't know you! You aren't my Mom (or Dad)!"

• If the person is in a car, stay as far away from the car as you can. Go into a store or turn around, and walk or run in the opposite direction the car is going.

• NEVER, ever hitchhike or accept a ride from someone. Don't go near a stranger's car. NEVER get into a car with someone you don't know, for any reason. Sometimes people use tricks -- like saying your mom is hurt, or they lost their dog or kitten -- to try and get you to go with them. DO NOT GO WITH THEM!

• If someone does manage to get you in his/her car, do not put on your seatbelt. Jump out when you see people and the car has to make a stop.

• Don't play in deserted areas - such as empty playgrounds, parks, construction sites or dumps.

• Stay with your mom or dad in public places or use the buddy system. Play, walk, bike and skate with a friend.

• If you are out somewhere with an adult and you lose them, don't go looking for them. If you are in a store, go to the cashier or security guard and ask for help. (Information used by permission. Copyright protected by the National Center for Victims of Crime.)