Beverly Police: Talk To Your Kids About Stranger Danger

BEVERLY, MA – After a Facebook post describing a strange man who approached some children in Beverly circulated on community groups, police are recommending that parents talk to their kids about strangers.

The Facebook post said a young child was outside in Beverly when a man, possibly in his 30s, approached him and asked if he was okay, inviting the boy back to his home to play video games. Department Spokesman Officer Mike Boccuzzi said the incident was reported to police around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, and is currently under investigation.

Another incident reported to police involved a man with a box of puppies who – according to a separate Facebook post – offered pictures with the dogs to kids. Boccuzzi said that incident was also reported this week, and the man with the puppies was transported to Beverly Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

In Marblehead, police are seeking information about a man, possibly in his 40s, who struck up a conversation with a child. Marblehead Police said there was nothing inappropriate about the interaction, but certain things the man said were suspicious. There's no indication that these incidents are related, outside of involving adults speaking to children.

Boccuzzi said there are resources online to help parents talk with their kids about strangers, specifically the National Crime Prevention Council. The council has these tips for parents on their website:

• Know where your children are at all times. Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Give your children your work and cell phone numbers so they can reach you at all times.
• Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
• Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult. Tell them that sometimes adults they know may make them feel uncomfortable, and they should still get away as fast as possible and tell another adult what happened. Reassure children that you will help them when they need it.
• Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s okay to say no to an adult and to run away from adults in dangerous situations.
• Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!

Click here for more tips on talking to your children about strangers.

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