News release

Street proofing your kids

December 3, 2025 - Vernon, British Columbia
From: Vernon North Okanagan RCMP

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The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is investigating a suspicious occurrence that occurred near an elementary school in Vernon yesterday.

On Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2025, around 3 p.m., police received a report of a suspicious occurrence on 20^th Street in Vernon.  A group of students were walking home from school when they were approached by a man driving a grey pickup truck who stopped and offered them a ride.  The students refused and continued walking but the vehicle approached again, this time the driver asking for directions.  The students did not approach the vehicle and when they pulled out their cell phones, the truck drove away.  The driver was described as an older Caucasian man.  Police were notified shortly after and officers made patrols in the area but didn’t locate the vehicle.

“We are working closely with School District 22 as we continue to investigate this incident,” states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.  “The students handled the situation exactly as they should by keeping their distance, sticking together, and telling an adult.  Knowing how to safely interact with strangers is an incredibly important skill for our kids to have.  Not only do we need to teach them safety strategies, but we need to remind them on a regular basis so they’re able to recognize and avoid potentially unsafe situations.”

Tips and information on how to “Street Proof” your kids can be found on the BCRCMP website.

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