Police Chief Releases Statement Following Child Luring Attempt

Newtown Township Police Chief Rick Pasqualini is reminding parents to talk with their children after a child luring attempt was reported Tuesday on Providence Court.

Two children were playing outside at approximately 5:20 p.m. when a man stopped and asked them to get into his car, according to police. The children ran and the man drove away, police said.

"Our police department has been giving our best effort to investigate this incident by following up with any and all leads," Pasqualini said in a statement released Thursday.

In his statement, Pasqualini advises parents to talk about the situation with their children. Here is the full text of the chief's statement:

Due to the nature of this situation, I want to take the opportunity to remind parents and caregivers to have conversations with your children in order to protect them from this sort of situation. The following are suggested guidelines to discuss with your children:

• They should never EVER get into a car or vehicle without a parent's permission.
• They should immediately run away from anyone following them on foot or in a vehicle.
• The best defense for a child is their voice. The most important thing a child could do is SCREAM, SCREAM and SCREAM some more. The more attention that the child can draw to them and the stranger, the less of the chance the attacker will be successful.
• Every child should be warned about the dangers of hitchhiking. This is a dangerous thing to do!
• Never get near a stranger’s vehicle. Often times an abductor will attempt to trick the child into coming near their vehicle by using a lure, such as candy or puppies.
• Children should always walk to the far inside of the pavement or walkway when walking on the street.
• Children should always run the opposite way a car is pointing. This will increase the time the potential abductor has to turn the vehicle around.
• They should run to a trusted adult, neighbor’s house, school, a nearby store or church, as long as it’s very close by.
• Never accept gifts or candy from a stranger.