Man arrested for alleged child luring in Steveston

Richmond, Public Alert

2024-02-23 15:32 PST

File # 2024-5744

Richmond RCMP arrest man allegedly involved in attempted child luring.

Shortly after 6:30 pm on February 21, 2024 Richmond RCMP attended the 4000 block of Moncton St for an alleged attempted child luring.

Richmond RCMP were advised by the complainant that a man had been communicating with her child via Snapchat and asked the child to meet him at a local park. The complainant interceded and the man was detained until police arrived on scene.

To date, Richmond RCMP GIS have identified additional youths with whom this man may have been in communication.

We recognize there may be additional youth who have been in contact with this man. We are issuing this alert so that parents, youth and the community as a whole are aware that police are actively investigating this matter and encourage anyone with information to come forward, says Inspector Michael Cohee, Officer-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services, This investigation also highlights the importance of maintaining open communication with your children about their personal safety and use of social media.

This man is known to frequent parks in the Steveston area.

Some personal safety tips for children and their families include:

• Avoid long conversations with strangers. If someone you do not know asks you personal questions, such as: Where do you live? Do not answer! Run away or leave the situation immediately and immediately advise a trusted adult (parent, guardian, teacher).
• It’s okay to say no to adults who ask you to do something for them, such as: help them find a lost pet, join them in an activity or game, or give them directions.
• Never walk with or accept a ride, money or gifts from strangers or even someone you may know, without checking with your parents/guardians. Keep a safe distance (two arm lengths) from strangers and cars that approach you.

It’s important that parents are aware of their child’s digital life and work with them to develop strategies to help keep them safe online. Some tips include:

• Post wisely and keep personal details to a minimum. Use privacy settings on social media sites to limit who can see your personal information.
• Turn off location services. Share your location with only those you know and trust.
• A stranger is a stranger. Only accept friend requests from people you know. Not everyone is who they say they are online. You wouldn’t let a stranger into your house, so why open the door to them online to be your friend?

For more tips on child and youth safety visit the BC RCMP website.

The man has been released from custody on a police undertaking with numerous conditions. In addition to a no contact with the victims and their families, the following conditions are in place

1. Not to communicate directly or indirectly, nor be alone in the presence of any person you know to be, or who reasonably appears to be, of the age of 18 years or less;
2. Not to attend to any park, public swimming area, daycare centre, school ground, playground, community centre, theatre where persons under the age of 18 years are known to be present or can reasonable be expected to be present;
3. Shall not accept or perform any employment or volunteer position which involves coming into contact or working with or supervising any person under the age of 18 years;
4. Must not use any computer network including the internet to communicate or attempt to communicate with any persons you know to be or who reasonable appear or represent themselves to be under the age of 18 years.

Richmond RCMP GIS have conduct of this investigation. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2024-5744. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.

Released by

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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