Greenwich Police Investigating "Suspicious Incident" Involving White Van, Girl

GREENWICH, CT — Police said they are investigating a "suspicious incident" that occurred Monday afternoon in which two men in a white van approached a 12-year-old girl who was walking in Old Greenwich.

Officers responded to Old Greenwich at approximately 3 p.m., Monday, according to Capt. Mark Zuccerella of the Greenwich Police Department.

A 12-year-old girl who was walking in the area of Sound Beach Avenue and Center Drive told police that a white van operated by two men stopped alongside her and asked her to get inside the van, Zuccerella said, noting that there was no physical contact made and "no overt actions" were taken by the men to stop and get out of the van.

An unknown person who was nearby saw the interaction and scared off the van, Zuccerella added.

"The intent of the males currently is unknown at this time," Zuccerella said.

GPD detectives are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 203-622-8004.

With the first day of school scheduled in Greenwich for Sept. 1, police are reminding parents to speak with their children and remind them about being aware of their surroundings.

The GPD offered up the following tips on Tuesday:

• Safety is always best in numbers. Advise your child to walk to and from school or the playground with a buddy.
• If your child feels that he or she is being followed and they have a cell phone, they should immediately call 911.
• Never talk to a stranger. Strangers with bad intentions try to trick kids into helping them. Kids should never talk or answer their questions. If they do answer, it should be something along the lines of, "Go ask an adult," or, "I do not know, I am only a kid."
• Teach your child to think on their feet. They need to keep distance from strangers and not let someone get close enough that they could grab or touch them.
• Advise them to run or walk quickly towards an area where they see people, such as a shopping center, a home with someone outside, a busy roadway, or a park where they see people. They should never walk into an alley or location that further isolates them.
• Know your child’s walking/riding path to and from school. Determine a path together that is visible, even if it’s a slightly longer route home.
• Go directly to your destination. Pay attention to where you are going. Talking or texting on your cell phone is a good way to pass the time while you're walking, but it can distract you from noticing what's going on around you.
• Be aware of surroundings - who is behind you and in front of you. Are there occupied cars parked along your route?
• If someone approaches you or tries to get your attention, get away immediately. Cross the street or walk the other way.