West Kelowna – The child luring warning issued by the Kelowna RCMP on Monday is now being expanded to the Central Okanagan after two similar but seemingly unrelated incidents occurred in West Kelowna.

On March 3, 2015 at 7:18 pm, the West Kelowna RCMP received a report of a suspicious occurrence on Westlake Road near Stevens Road. Two 15-year-old West Kelowna boys were walking in the area, just before midday, when an unknown man in a red pickup offered them a ride. The boys declined and kept walking but the man drove around the traffic circle, returned and told them to get in. The boys ignored him and continued on their way. No vehicle plate was obtained and the man’s description is limited but the vehicle is somewhat unique. Police are looking to speak with anyone who might be able to identify the driver.

The driver is described as:
•Caucasian male;
•50-60 years;
•Short grey hair.

The vehicle is described as:
•Pickup truck;
•Red body;
•White stripe from front to rear wheel wells.

An incident involving similar circumstances occurred on February 13, 2015 and was reported to police. A 10-year-old West Kelowna boy was walking in the area of Westlake Road and West Kelowna Road when a man in an older, black, boxy car offered him a ride. The boy declined and the man drove away. The description of the man is limited but he was seen wearing a Fedora-style hat with a large chain around his neck.

Police have no information to suggest that these two incidents are related, or that they are related to the one that occurred in Kelowna on February 26, 2015.

Parents are reminded to discuss the importance of safety with their children to ensure they have the tools necessary to protect themselves.