A serious incident near Landmark last month where a 16-year old female was abducted while walking her dog has prompted the RCMP to issue a reminder for parents to pass some safety tips onto their children.

Spokesperson for the Manitoba RCMP, Robert Cyrenne says one thing they recommend is the buddy system. He says when children are walking in groups of at least two or more, they are much less likely to get approached by a stranger. "It's also safer in terms of vehicles, they can spot kids a little bit easier if they're walking on the roads. I know there are not sidewalks everywhere in this province... especially when they're walking on the side of the road, that buddy system is really important."

Cyrenne says choosing a safe route is also essential. "I know there's a lot of rural communities, and it's tough to find routes that are well travelled, but walking in public areas as much as possible so that people can see you walking, and can hear you, is also recommended."

It's also important to stick to your chosen route, and important to let people know what route you're taking.

What's really critical, Cyrenne says, is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. "It's easy to put in the headphones and listen to music while walking, but really what's critical is to always be aware. Be aware of the sounds, be aware of traffic behind you, be aware if someone is walking behind you. Having that general awareness for children and teaching them to be aware and what to look out for is really important."

Meanwhile, Cyrenne says parents also need to teach their children what to do in the event a stranger does approach them. He says you never want to get into a vehicle with any stranger, under any circumstance. "If that means running in the opposite direction, running for help to the closest home, anything to get away is really the key if approached by a stranger, and not to engage with them in any way."

Cyrenne says every situation is so different, and you really don't know what the proper thing is to do until a situation is unfolding. In the situation with the 16-year-old victim of abduction near Landmark, Cyrenne says after she was forced into the vehicle, and once she was able to find a way to escape, she took that first opportunity and ran to the nearest home. "She really saved herself from potential greater harm. . . She did everything right to get away from that dangerous situation."

Cyrenne says the investigation into the abduction is still ongoing with RCMP's Major Crimes investigators.

"It was a really tragic situation, but it's also an opportunity for parents to speak to their children about how to stay safe if walking alone, and putting those plans in place." He adds although very rare in our province, it is also a reminder that it can happen.

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