A 9-year-old girl from Steinbach was approached by a suspicious male at her home on Maplewood Street at around 4 Tuesday afternoon and her mother says she did the right thing.

Julie Pert says the man attempted to enter through both the front and side doors, but her daughter kept all of the doors locked and refused to let the man inside the house. She notes the man was standing at the front living room window of the house taking photos and trying to talk to her daughter through the window.

“He was talking to her through the window telling her, 'let me in I want to talk to you', and she said 'what do you want to talk to me about, I don't know you', and he said 'I want to talk to you about things you have never done before, just let me in.' She was very very very persistent on not letting him in.”

Pert says her daughter noticed the man's dark tan car was left running on the road and both the front and back passenger doors were left open so his intentions seemed to be clear. She says her daughter also told her about the incident shortly after it happened and had good details.

“I feel that my continuous talks with them have definitely paid off, I don't trust easily so I do tell my kids, don't talk with strangers, never ever let anybody in, lock the doors behind you, and if anything happens there is the police, I am here, there are neighbours, just don't let them in, and she didn't.”

Pert says the community as a whole has been absolutely amazing, sharing the story and getting the word out.

Steinbach RCMP Staff Sergeant Harold LaningaRCMP Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga says it is important to review safety guidelines with your children. He notes in this incident, the young lady maintained what she knew was the right thing to do which was a great choice. He notes there are a few safety tips for parents and their children.

“Using a buddy system when we are going to and from places, I know the young girl in this incident was walking with a friend so that is great to hear. Having permission from your parents as to where you go and people knowing where you are going, the route you are going to take, always using the same route to and from school daily is very important also. Being able to call the police right away, dialing 911 or giving them our local Steinbach RCMP number.”

Laninga says a safeword is also a great idea. That way if you send someone to pick up your kids you can give them the password and your children will know who is trustworthy and who is not.

RCMP say the man is described as being in his 40's or 50's with a stocky build and gray/brown hair. He was wearing a red t-shirt, jeans, and black shoes. The male was driving an older model brown or tan car with four doors. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.

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Suspicious Male Approaches Young Girl In Steinbach