Reports of Strangers Offering Rides to Students Prompts District to Issue Safety Reminder

Officials in the Dublin Unified School District issued a reminder to parents on Monday about student safety following two reports of strangers allegedly trying to lure children into their cars.

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hanke sent the following letter to parents in the district:

Dear Dublin Parents/Guardians:

The safety of our students is of utmost importance to all of us. We take all incidents involving the safety of our students very seriously.

Over the past few days, we have had two reports at separate school sites that students were approached in cars driven by strangers and offered a ride. The students rebuffed the offers and are safe. The Dublin Police Department is aware of both incidents and in contact with district and site administration.

All schools in our district review safety precautions with our students on a regular basis. All of our district schools will be delivering lessons on Stranger Danger safety in classrooms or school-wide assemblies.

At this time we ask parents to talk to your children about strangers.

Some points to include:

• • Develop a buddy system. Walk home with a friend or group of friends.
  • NEVER get close to a person’s car to look at something or to get something from the person, such as candy or a game.
  • If you are waiting for a ride after school, remain close to the school and do not wander away.

We recognize the need to be vigilant in assuring the safety of our students. It is also important to follow established protocols in reporting incidents that may appear to be suspicious in nature. We ask parents to please report any suspicious activity directly to your child’s school principal and school office immediately as well as Dublin police. Thank you for assisting us in keeping all students safe.

Police officials have been notified and they say are investigating the reports. Neither police officials nor district officials commented on the ages of the students targeted. Officials did not name the specific school sites where the alleged incidents took place.

“We are still looking into it and trying to get more details,” Dublin Police Services Lieutenant Herb Walters said. “It was not reported to us right away.”

Walters says police have increased patrols before and after school.

“We are also checking with local residents who may have surveillance cameras,” Walters said.

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