Police warn public about strangers approaching children

The Havre Police Department asks that people report any suspicious vehicles seen following unaccompanied children after receiving a report Thursday that an unidentified man offered a child a ride home.

A press release from the Havre Police Department said the police received a report a young man was approached Tuesday during after-school hours near 13th Street and Saddle Butte Drive by a man driving a white four-door pickup truck with a topper and blue Montana plates.

The driver, described as an older white male with brown hair, a brown groomed beard and wearing a long-sleeve shirt, offered to give the child a ride, the press release says.

The child said no and walked away. The driver then left the scene and did not make any further contact with the child. The incident is under investigation, the release says.

Havre Police urge parents to speak to their children about the danger of talking to strangers and what to do if approached by a stranger.

The release says parents should make sure their child knows how to give their name, address and home phone number to a police officer.

Children should run in the opposite direction if someone follows them or tries to force them into a vehicle.

Children should also use the buddy system as much as possible when they play outside or walk home from school, the release says.

People with information are urged to contact the Havre Police Department at 265-4361.