Calgary police warn parents after man approaches children in playground

Calgary police are warning the public after a man reportedlyhad inappropriate interactions with children at a playground on the weekend.

Police were called about 3 p.m. Sunday after four children between the ages of nine and 11 told their parents they were approached by a man while at a playground in the 13000 block of Parkside Drive S.E.

The kids said the man asked them to help find a piece of jewelryand offered them candy as an incentive.

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When the children declined the offer, the man allegedly made inappropriate comments and took inappropriate photos of them.

The children went home and told their parents, who called police.

The man is described as being about five foot eight inches tall and wearing plaid shorts and a grey sweater with the word "hockey" in white lettering. He had a bald spot and tattoos on his neck.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppersat 1-800-222-8477.

Police offered a number of safety tips for parents and children, including:

• Teach your children who is a safe adult. Have a conversation with your child about who a stranger is, and how even people known to them could still be dangerous. Children are often told about "stranger danger."However,many child abductions are actually committed by people the child already knows. The important message to teach your children is to not go anywhere with anyone without first getting permission from you.
• Use the buddy system. When your children are out in the community, make sure they are always with at least one other person. Make sure you get to know your children's friends and their parents, and have contact numbers in case of an emergency.
• Show your children safe places in the community. Point out safe places in your community that your children can go to for help if they need it. These places could include police, fire and EMS stations, schools, community centres, businessesor even trusted neighbours. It's important for children to have multiple places they can go to in an emergency.
• Know where your child is at all times. If your child is travelling anywhere by themselves, make sure you agree on a predetermined route before they go. If it's somewhere they go often, they should always use the same route so you know where they'll be. Also, always have your child text or call you when they arrive at their final destination or when they are on their way home.
• Staying safe online. If you're children use social media platforms, make sure you know who they are communicating with. It's important to teach them that people they meet online may not always be who they say they are. If they want to meet an online friend in person, you should be involved in making the plans and be present when the meeting happens.
• If an attempted abduction happens, teach your children to actively resist, shout out loud and draw attention to themselves. Make sure they know where to go for help or how to call police.

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