Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who allegedly tried to lure a teenage girl into his car.
A suspicious male driving what was described as a black BMW approached a 16-year-old girl in the Norgate neighbourhood on the afternoon of March 29, according to North Vancouver RCMP.
At around 4:15 p.m. on the 1500 block of Tatlow Avenue, the girl was walking alone, police said.
“The driver and lone occupant of the BMW pulled alongside her, asked where she lived, and offered her a ride,” RCMP said in a statement released Tuesday morning. “When the girl declined, he followed her while repeating his offer. She repeatedly declined before the driver left the area.”
The girl, who was physically unharmed, returned home and reported the incident, police said.
To further the investigation, RCMP are seeking help to identify the driver, said Const. Mansoor Sahak.
“The alleged behaviour of the driver is concerning, and we would like to speak with him,” Sahak said in the statement. “RCMP take reports of this nature very seriously.”
This was an isolated incident and no other similar reports have since been received, Sahak said.
Police have provided a description of the man and the vehicle he was driving.
The man is described as having short “poufy” hair, slicked back, with a small moustache and no beard. He has a “noticeable” Spanish accent, and was wearing a black sweater, according to the police description.
His vehicle is described as a black BMW with a black interior that was clean, and had a licence plate starting with the letter H.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 referencing file #23-5989. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit the organization’s website.
If you find yourself in a similar situation to this alleged incident, Sahak advises to call 911 and find a lit area or business to go to. "Wait for police in a safe area and provide as much detail as possible for the police," he said.
Police also recommend these “Be Street Smart” personal safety tips.
