SURREY RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a man involved in a suspicious circumstance in Newton.

Shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, Surrey RCMP were called after a man was observed allegedly following a child who was walking in the 7600-block of 125th Street. It was reported that the  unknown man repeatedly asked the child to enter a wooded area with him to help him look for lost property. A bystander who witnessed this incident confronted the unknown man and he fled the area.

The man was described as possibly Middle Eastern, approximately 40-45 years old, 6’ tall, slender build, bald, with light brown eyes, and “waxy looking” skin (see sketch). The man was wearing a charcoal grey sweater and black sweat pants.

Surrey RCMP recommends the following stranger safety tips for parents to review with their children:

· Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know.

· Stay more than an arm’s reach from strangers.

· Seek help immediately if approached by a stranger.

· Trust your instincts, if you feel you are being followed or something is not right, seek help immediately.

· When seeking help, always go to a trusted adult – teacher, coach, police officer, other parent, or older sibling.

· If a stranger grabs you, do everything you can to stop them from pulling you away. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you. If someone is dragging you away, scream, “This is not my dad,” or “This is not my mom.”

· Report any suspicious activity to your local school and police department.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or CrimeStoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.