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A teenage girl walking in her own neighbourhood was chased by a stranger in a Cat in the Hat costume — and West Kelowna RCMP say that may add up to criminal harassment.

The youth made it home safely, but police are treating the incident as serious and are working to identify the person involved.

According to police, the incident happened around 9 p.m. on August 24 in the 2000 block of Shamrock Drive.

Officers say wearing a costume is not itself a crime — but following or pursuing someone in a way that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety can be.

Criminal harassment is on the table depending on what the investigation turns up.

Police say other offences, including assault, uttering threats or intimidation, could also apply if the evidence supports them.

Investigators are asking anyone with doorbell, security or dash camera footage from the area that evening to come forward.

Police are reminding parents and young people that if they believe they are being followed, they should move toward a safe, populated location, contact a trusted adult and call 911 if they are in immediate danger.

Here's the conservative read: the "it was just a joke" defence should die here.

Frightening a kid on her own street is not comedy — it's menace.

And in an era when teenagers are told to walk with their keys between their fingers, the cost of this stunt lands squarely on families who have to have yet another safety talk at the kitchen table.

Law and order starts with small things: if you chase a stranger down a dark street, you should expect the police at your door.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP or Crime Stoppers.