Stephen Vance, Staff
Meaford parents who have contacted The Independent expressing concern about a possible suspicious vehicle near our elementary schools can rest easy after confirmation from Grey County OPP that the rumour is the result of a mis-reading of a letter sent home this week with students from Meaford Community School (MCS).
Two parents contacted The Independent this week expressing concern about reports of a suspicious black vehicle that they worried was “stalking” the MCS area.
“Can you do some sleuthing and get us parents more info about the mysterious black vehicle that is stalking MCS. They sent home a letter saying the OPP is aware of a dark coloured car that has been driving around the school suspiciously. I am concerned as my son scoots around town,” asked one parent who contacted The Independent. The parent had not seen the letter herself as it hadn’t come home with her child, however she had been told of the letter by her neighbour. “Parents are uneasy.”
The incident causing the confusion actually occurred in the Thornbury area, not Meaford according to Grey County OPP.
“There was a report of a suspicious “black car” in the Thornbury area last week,” Grey County OPP media relations officer, Alina Grelik told The Independent on Wednesday February 24. “According to P/C Melissa Barfoot, our School Liaison Officer, who oversees MCS, kids were “talking” about the incident. The school did send a letter to parents yesterday indicating that the incident wasn’t in our area but that police are aware. It served as a reminder to parents to talk to their children about “stranger-danger.”
Grelik said that the school liaison officer will follow up with students on Thursday and Friday of this week with some stranger-danger presentations.
On February 19, the Blue Mountains OPP detachment issued a report of a suspicious vehicle in Thornbury.
“OPP officers have received two complaints where youths have reported observing a car driving by with the driver acting in a suspicious manner. Both cases took place in Thornbury,” said the OPP. “The vehicle is described as a black car, possibly a four door vehicle. The driver is described as a male with blond hair and facial hair.”
Officers from the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP are looking to locate and speak with this male regarding this investigation.
If you have any information in regards to this case, please contact the Collingwood/The Blue Mountains O.P.P. at (705) 445-4321 or Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com or www.crimestoppersgb.ca.
