Police Urge Parents to Talk to Their Kids About Stranger Danger

On Friday, March 8 two girls accepted a ride from a man who offered to take them home from South County Mall.

Instead, he drove past their home into a nearby alley where he asked them for sexual favors and offered them money when they refused. The girls were able to escape from the man's car and walk home. 

However, the ending to that ordeal could have been much worse, said Off. Randy Vaughn, of the St. Louis County Police Department.

"Fortunately, the girls came out of the situation with no physical harm," he said. "This is a prime example of why you should never accept a ride from a stranger."

The department offers parents the following tips on stranger danger:

• Tell your kids not to talk to adults they do not know;
• Explain to your children that they should never accept a ride unless they are absolutely sure they know the occupants;
• Role play with your kids so they know what to do if they are approached by a stranger, and practice, practice, practice;
• and talk to your children on a daily basis. If you they describe anything you are uncomfortable with, report the suspicious activity immediately.

For additional tips on keeping your kids safe, check out this brochure from the St. Louis County Police Department.