Shortly after 7:30 a. m., the two girls, aged 11 and 12, were walking along Bowes Street on their way to W. I. Dick school when they were approached by a man in a vehicle, police said.

They declined his offer of a ride and ran to school, where the girls reported the incident to the vice-principal.

The suspect is described as a white male, between 40 and 50 years old, with an average build and grey hair. He was driving a large silver or grey four-door sedan.

In light of the incident, Halton Regional Police are asking parents to review the following important safety precautions with their kids:

• Play with a friend. Stay away from remote areas of parks or shortcuts through woods.

• Don’t loiter on the way to or from school.

• Don’t go anywhere with a stranger and don’t accept rides for any reason.

• Don’t be afraid to say “no” to any request. Run away quickly.

• Advise an adult of any suspicious strangers right away.

• Don’t accept treats such as candies, toys or money from a stranger for any reason.

• Always tell parents where you’re going.

Parents of teens should remind them about the importance of not taking rides from strangers, walking to and from school with friends and notifying parents of where they’re going.

Anyone with information regarding Friday’s incident is asked to call Milton police at (905) 825-4747, ext. 2415 or Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-TIPS (8477).