Updated: Tue Jun. 09 2009 18:18:26

ctvbc.ca

Mounties in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, B.C., have issued an unusual warning about a potential child kidnapping plot.

Cpl. Jennifer Pound says they have information to believe an abduction may happen in the next several weeks.

She calls the information "minimal" but advises parents to be vigilant, urging them to tell their children to walk in groups in well lit, high-traffic areas.

"If approached, kids need to know that it is okay to misbehave," Pound said.

"Talk to your kids and ensure them that it is important for them to draw attention to themselves. It is okay to yell and scream and do whatever they can do to get the attention of passer-bys."

Pound would not specify how the RCMP received the information, but stresses the importance of the warning.

"We understand parents will be panicked about this," Pound said.

"We don't want them to be panicked but we want this information to get out there because it's a child, and we need to get out that info to a large group."

Bruce Beairsto, superintendent of the Richmond School District, says he was informed of the threat on Tuesday afternoon.

Beairsto says the Richmond School Board intends to take "prudent precautions around schools" and will also relay safety tips to students about the danger of strangers.

Linda McPhail of the Richmond School Board says a letter, translated into several languages, will be sent home to parents Wednesday.

"It will contain the notice by RCMP about a possible situation and how parents can take action," McPhail said.

"And if they notice anything strange to contact both the school and the RCMP."

The RCMP believes the potential victim is Asian and attends one of the Richmond elementary schools.

Pound says the potential perpetrator knows who the child is, but they have been unable to identify the potential victim.

The RCMP Serious Crimes Unit, as well as the Youth Section, General Duty, and Bike Sections have all been alerted, and are all participating in the joint investigation.