from the Hopedale Police Facebook Page
Hopedale Police are warning parents to be on alert for suspicious people in vehicles that pull over and ask for directions from children that are walking alone.
An incident took place in Hopedale; on Jones Road on 041714 at approximately 3:00 pm. This incident involved a 15-year-old female who was walking south on Jones Road when an adult white male approximately 40-50 years old with a mustache and beard had pulled over to ask for directions. The juvenile was on the passenger side of the vehicle and he asked her to come closer which she did. According to the female he had asked her for some directions. She became scared, screamed and walked away.
The male had driven away slowly in the opposite direction towards Route 140.
The only description of the vehicle provided by the child was an older round blue colored vehicle. No plate description and no other identifying marks were provided. By the time the incident was reported to police and a check of the area was conducted, the man had driven off in an unknown direction. Police say they don’t know the man’s intentions so they will be increasing the patrols. The child was not injured and notified her mother of the incident.
Police say the incident is a good reminder for every parent to talk to their children about what to do if they see a suspicious vehicle or are approached by strangers.
Topics regarding safety with strangers include:
• Do not accept candy or gifts from strangers.
• Do not accept rides with strangers or people you do not know very well.
• Do not walk or play alone. Walk with a friend or in a group.
• Go directly home after school.
• Never go anywhere without telling your parents first.
• Be cautious when approached by strangers. If a stranger stops to ask a question, you should WALK AWAY. NEVER go over to a stranger or their car, for ANY reason.
• Tell parents or a teacher immediately about a suspicious person
• Seek assistance if a stranger forces attention upon you. If someone is following you, run to a house where you think someone is at home and pound on the door and yell. You can also run inside a building such as a store, where there are people. Ask someone to call the police immediately. Do not run into a woods, park or shrub area.
• If possible, get the license number of any car that is following you and tell the police immediately. They may be able to catch the car before it leaves the neighborhood. But never wait around to get the number of description of the car. RUN FIRST.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 508-473-8444 and speak to Detective Marco Lima.
UPTON DAILY 