Post by novillero on Jun 16, 2009 7:00:40 GMT -5
This story was in the June 3 News Transcript. I heard on the radio this morning that the same car was back in the same neighborhood, attempting the same thing.
This guy came back to the same area on more than one ocassion. But he could do this anywhere. Be on the alert. Schools will be out soon.
Child luring reports stir up neighborhood
Wyndham Place residents meet to discuss situation
BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Residents of the Wyndham Place development off Gully Road are rallying in response to a pair of reported incidents of child luring.
At a meeting held on the evening of May 28, residents of the 480-home townhouse development gathered at their clubhouse to hear details of the incidents that occurred in the previous two weeks.
According to information provided by the Wyndham Place Board of Directors, the incidents occurred during the day on May 12 and May 22.
Board members said that in each instance the male operator of a dark green Honda Accord approached a boy who was alone on the street and demanded that the child get into his car. In both instances the child ran away from the vehicle and was not harmed.
Board members said it was unclear if a similar incident occurred on the evening of May 28.
According to information provided at the community meeting, the man who was driving the car was described as a dark skinned male, possibly Asian, with a medium build.
A message left at the Freehold Township Police Department on May 29 by the News Transcript was not returned.
A letter that was sent home to parents by Freehold Township Superintendent of Schools William Setaro on May 27 identified the boy in the May 12 incident as a fifth-grader, and identified the boy in the May 22 incident as a sixth-grader.
Setaro wrote, "My goal in informing you of such incidents is to be proactive in getting information out to you that may possibly be useful in protecting the safety of our children. Additionally, it is always important to remind our children to report such incidents to a responsible adult so that investigative actions can take place."
The mother of one of the boys who was approached by the unknown man spoke to the Wyndham Place residents who had gathered in the clubhouse.
The woman, who said she is a sheriff's officer, told her fellow residents that her son did not tell her about the incident until a week after it happened because he was afraid that she would not let him go outside again.
The boy's mother made a passionate plea for parents to practice with their children and show them how to react if such a situation occurs to them.
Speaking to some youngsters who were present at the meeting, she said, "If they grab you, bite them. If they cover your mouth, kick them. Scream. Call for your mom or anyone else."
Residents were advised by the board of directors to call police if they see something in the neighborhood that they believe is suspicious.
In the recent past some Wyndham Place residents attempted to start a neighborhood watch program, but the effort eventually failed due to a lack of participation by residents, according to statements made at the meeting.
The community's leaders are seeking volunteers to be court captains — people in each residential court who would help get the word out about emergencies in the neighborhood.
In light of the reported incidents of child luring, interest appeared to be rekindled for the idea of a neighborhood watch program. Members of the board of directors said it is up to residents to look out for each other.
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0603/front_page/020.html
This guy came back to the same area on more than one ocassion. But he could do this anywhere. Be on the alert. Schools will be out soon.
Child luring reports stir up neighborhood
Wyndham Place residents meet to discuss situation
BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Residents of the Wyndham Place development off Gully Road are rallying in response to a pair of reported incidents of child luring.
At a meeting held on the evening of May 28, residents of the 480-home townhouse development gathered at their clubhouse to hear details of the incidents that occurred in the previous two weeks.
According to information provided by the Wyndham Place Board of Directors, the incidents occurred during the day on May 12 and May 22.
Board members said that in each instance the male operator of a dark green Honda Accord approached a boy who was alone on the street and demanded that the child get into his car. In both instances the child ran away from the vehicle and was not harmed.
Board members said it was unclear if a similar incident occurred on the evening of May 28.
According to information provided at the community meeting, the man who was driving the car was described as a dark skinned male, possibly Asian, with a medium build.
A message left at the Freehold Township Police Department on May 29 by the News Transcript was not returned.
A letter that was sent home to parents by Freehold Township Superintendent of Schools William Setaro on May 27 identified the boy in the May 12 incident as a fifth-grader, and identified the boy in the May 22 incident as a sixth-grader.
Setaro wrote, "My goal in informing you of such incidents is to be proactive in getting information out to you that may possibly be useful in protecting the safety of our children. Additionally, it is always important to remind our children to report such incidents to a responsible adult so that investigative actions can take place."
The mother of one of the boys who was approached by the unknown man spoke to the Wyndham Place residents who had gathered in the clubhouse.
The woman, who said she is a sheriff's officer, told her fellow residents that her son did not tell her about the incident until a week after it happened because he was afraid that she would not let him go outside again.
The boy's mother made a passionate plea for parents to practice with their children and show them how to react if such a situation occurs to them.
Speaking to some youngsters who were present at the meeting, she said, "If they grab you, bite them. If they cover your mouth, kick them. Scream. Call for your mom or anyone else."
Residents were advised by the board of directors to call police if they see something in the neighborhood that they believe is suspicious.
In the recent past some Wyndham Place residents attempted to start a neighborhood watch program, but the effort eventually failed due to a lack of participation by residents, according to statements made at the meeting.
The community's leaders are seeking volunteers to be court captains — people in each residential court who would help get the word out about emergencies in the neighborhood.
In light of the reported incidents of child luring, interest appeared to be rekindled for the idea of a neighborhood watch program. Members of the board of directors said it is up to residents to look out for each other.
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0603/front_page/020.html
