The Hanover School Division sent a letter home to all parents in Steinbach and Mitchell Thursday to advise them about two incidents involving a suspicious person near schools.

Superintendent Randy Dueck says the first incident occurred Wednesday in Mitchell.

"The first one happened after 4:00. It was reported to us by a parent via a student that, that student had been approached in the community of Mitchell and offered a ride by someone that they didn't know. We didn't hear about that until the next morning. We have concerns when those kinds of things are going on and any community would have concerns if kids are being approached for rides. We need to get the word out and make sure, not that everyone is fearful, but everybody is alert and paying attention."

The second incident happened Thursday morning at Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach where someone was taking photos of buses. He says that may not be unusual but it is enough to get the attention of the school division.

No descriptions have been released. Dueck says that's because they do not have a good description of the culprits or their vehicles. Again, he says, there's no need to be fearful but adds parents and students should be alert to what is going on around them.

"We just need to stay alert and when we notice unusual things, we need to let people know. I would say to parents and students that, if they notice something unusual in and around a school or during the school day, let the school know as soon as possible so we can determine; Is it serious or is it not? If that kind of thing happens in the evening, then let the RCMP know."