On Friday evening, September 9, the Village of La Grange Police Department responded to the area of 52nd and 7th for a report of suspicious individuals who tried to lure a 4 year old boy to a vehicle by offering him “gummy bears”. Fortunately, the child had been taught to recognize strangers and successfully ran away and reported the incident to his mother.
The Police Department initiated an immediate search of the area for two white women in a white panel van with no windows, last seen headed toward Countryside. Residents are asked to be on the lookout for the van and to report any and all suspicious vehicles, people or activity to the La Grange Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 immediately.
The following safety tips should be discussed with your children:
DO NOT GO NEAR A STRANGER. Keep at least two adult arms’ lengths between you and a person you don’t know. If they try to come closer, you can back up, or run away.
Be aware of the kinds of tricks that strangers use. Most strangers use tricks, not weapons, to get you to come with them. Tricks can be anything, including:
Offers of candy, toys, or money
A story about being sent by your parents to pick you up An opportunity, like getting your picture in the paper or a trip to the mall
A request for help; to fix a tire, or find a lost puppy, or give directions
DON’T take anything from strangers.DON’T talk to strangers.
YELL for help.TELL an adult and call 9-1-1
WALK with a group, there is safety in numbers.
For more crime prevention tips please visit the Village of La Grange website by clicking here or contact the La Grange Police Department at (708) 579-2333.