Kamloops Mounties say a girl reported being followed while walking home from school in Brocklehurst

Photo: Castanet Staff

Kamloops Mounties are warning the public after a potentially scary situation in Brocklehurst last week.

According to police, a student was walking home on Friday in the 900-block of Southill Street when she noticed someone who appeared to be following her.

“She returned to her school, running, and eventually lost sight of the man,” RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said.

The potential suspect is described as a white man with a medium build standing about six feet tall with a grey beard to his chest. He was wearing a red jacket and a green checkered cap.

Evelyn said no other suspicious reports were received by police.

“This is a great example of a student who was alert, aware of her surroundings and did all the right things by going back to her school and finding a trusted adult to help,” RCMP Cpl. Donna Napier said in a news release.

“As the weather warms up and more kids start walking to and home from school, it’s a good time to review safety tips with them.”

Mounties suggest parents or guardians make sure children know their address and how to contact a parent, as well as how and when to call 911 in case of emergency. Families are encouraged to set up a code word to use in emergencies to identify a safe person other than a parent or caregiver.

Police also suggest kids walk in pairs or groups and avoid conversations with or rides from strangers.