NORTH Vancouver RCMP are warning the public about a male who exposed his private parts to a young female.

On May 15, at 3:40 p.m., a lone man driving a silver SUV approached a 13-year-old female in the 200-block of 27th Avenue West in North Vancouver. The man called her over on the pretense of asking for directions. When she approached him, he made a lewd comment and exposed himself. The young female ran away and was not physically harmed.

The man is described as:

• White male
• 40-50 years old
• Slight accent of unknown origin
• Balding with brown hair on the sides
• Black sunglasses
• Double chin
• Wearing a blue and white zippered sweater

A police sketch artist has completed a composite drawing of the suspect in the hope that someone will recognize him and contact police. “We want parents and children to take extra precautions until we can track this man down,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries. “It’s a reminder for parents to talk with their kids about how to increase their safety in public.”

This incident bears a resemblance to similar reports on the North Shore in the past year. While police are continuing to investigate the possibility that these incidents are linked, they are currently treating them as separate.

Anyone with information about this crime, or who recognizes the suspect, is asked to call Constable Aaron Land at 604-969-7510

Here are several tips to get the conversation about safety started with your kids:

Everyday Basics:

• Know your home address and landline phone number
• Know how to contact your parents on their cell phones or at work
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 in an emergency from a landline phone and from a cell phone
• Establish a secret word for your family. This should be used in emergencies to identify a ‘safe person’ other than their parent or caregiver
• Play what if games with younger children to reinforce these safety messages

In the Community:

• If possible, give your child a cell phone when they are away from home
• Children and teens should play and walk to places with a buddy. If they become separated or lost, they should tell someone with a name tag (for e.g. a cashier or security guard) immediately. If there is no one with a name tag, preferably, they should tell a female
• 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
• 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. Keep a safe distance (two arm lengths) from strangers and cars that approach you
• If a person tries to grab you – scream loudly, make a lot of noise, and try to create a disturbance (e.g. knock things over, scatter belongings, kick wildly). Shout, Help, this person is not my parent! Run to a safe location like an open store
• If a vehicle is involved, try to take notes describing the suspicious vehicle, license plate, and the stranger’s description. Call 9-1-1 for help