“Stranger danger” was the topic of discussion when members of the police visited a preschool in Kimberley on Wednesday, 14 June.
This visit was part of the South African Police Service’s programme for Youth Month with the aim of engaging with children to educate them on personal safety.
During the visit, Capt. Annamarie Jacobs of the Provincial Pro-active Policing Unit addressed and shared information with 18 four-year-old children at the Kimberley Kids Consortium on stranger danger and other relevant safety tip.
Safety tips Jacobs gave the children include the following:
- never speak to a stranger;
- if a stranger makes you feel scared and uncomfortable, run away, yell and find a trusted adult like a teacher, babysitter, your parent or police officer and explain what happened;
- fight back and scream – it is okay to scream and fight back when a stranger grabs you;
- never take food or treats from strangers;
- never allow a stranger to come into the house;
- never get in a stranger’s car or go in his or her house; and
- if the stranger makes you feel uncomfortable, say no and walk away.
Lt Col. Sergio Kock, police spokesperson, said the kids were also shown hand gestures and pictures on what to do when they are in danger and are unable to speak.
The kids responded positively and engaged well with the presentation, Kock said.
SAPS shopping bags containing pencil cases and safety pamphlets were handed out to the kids afterwards.
