MANILA, Philippines?Be extra careful when strangers come up to you offering help of any kind.

This was the advice of the Philippine National Police to students waiting to be fetched from schools, strolling inside malls, riding public transport, or simply walking on the streets.

As police intensified security measures around school zones in time for the opening of classes on Monday, PNP officials shared some tips with students who might be sweet-talked by overly solicitous persons pretending to want to help them.

?We advise students not to be too trusting of people they do not know and who may just take advantage of them,? said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome.

For parents of students waiting for a ride home, Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response chief Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina offered this piece of advice:

?Tell your children not to wait for you or their nanny outside the school premises, and not to go with anybody who claims he or she was asked to pick them up,? he said. ?Tell your kids to check with the household first if someone who is not their parent or nanny was authorized to pick them up.?

He said schools must also establish controlled loading and unloading sites for students to maintain order at pickup points during dropoff or dismissal hours. Security cameras inside and around school premises would also be an advantage, he added.

The police official also reminded schools to check the background of all on-campus employees.

?Enhance security measures in schools through extensive background checks of school and security personnel and employees and by monitoring suspicious-looking persons and vehicles,? Espina said.

?If possible, go home in groups,? he added. Whether walking on the street or driving their own vehicles, students must avoid isolated, poorly lit and less-frequented areas.

Espina also advised students to refrain from wearing flashy or expensive jewelry in public that could catch the roving eye of criminals.

?At night, walk only on well-lighted and busy streets. Beware of vehicles following you. Take note of the vehicle?s details and proceed to the nearest police station, relatives or friends for assistance,? he added.

He said the PNP would boost the police presence not only in public areas expected to be crowded with students, but also in major thoroughfares and commercial establishments near the schools.