Lac La Biche RCMP are confirming that reports have been made about alleged abduction attempts in the community. Members at the detachment have been investigating the claims and searching for a vehicle allegedly involved in two incidents in two days.
"We are looking into reports of this. We are trying to determine the validity of the reports," Lac La Biche RCMP Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutrbrown told the POST Friday following two reports on social media about children being lured towards a vehicle.
The first report that two men inside a white SUV had approached two young girls near their home was made on Wednesday, May 22 at around 8 pm.
Reports of a rope
The following morning, a man reportedly got out of a similar vehicle and approached a young girl near the Juliana Manor apartments near 99 Avenue as she was on her way to a school bus stop. According to social media posts, the man was carrying a rope and chased the young girl who ran to a nearby residence.
In both cases, reports identify the vehicle as a larger white SUV. In the first instance, two occupants were said to have been inside the SUV. Both were described as men in their early 30s wearing sunglasses. The passenger was said to be wearing a grey hoodie and baggy black sweatpants, with hand tattoos dark hair.
Amber Harvey is a Lac La Biche mom who contacted the POST on Friday to express her concerns about the reports. She said the community needs to be on alert, and says parents, neighbours, business owners and school staff all need to be vigilant. Getting children to fully understand the dangers of strangers is also vital, she said.
"Many families and parents are concerned. Until RCMP find something, our best defence is awareness of the situation so we can all teach our children" she said.
The POST did try to get an update from Lac La Biche RCMP late Friday afternoon, but a response was not received by the time the initial version of this digital story was posted.
Late Friday afternoon , Northern Lights Public Schools issued a statement about the reports.
"This morning, RCMP contacted Vera M. Welsh Elementary School and Aurora Middle School to inform them of an ongoing investigation in the community involving potential child luring.bAt the recommendation of RCMP, the schools increased supervision at recess for students. In addition, the RCMP also increased their patrols in the area during the day," noted the information that was released to all parent and the media. "Our teachers also reviewed what to do if a stranger approaches and personal safety with students during the day. This is something we touch on at various times during the school year and which most of our students should already be familiar with."
School officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and work with the RCMP to ensure the safety of their students.
