Man Attempts To Lure Children Into Van In New London: Police

NEW LONDON, CT — Police are investigating reports of a man trying to lure children into his van. The van is described as white with tinted windows and no license plate.

The man is described as white or Hispanic with black hair and a gray or black beard.

Police have contacted the school system regarding these reports.

Anyone with information about this case can contact police at 860-447-5269 ext. 0 or anonymous information may be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).

When reporting suspicious activity, police said it's helpful to provide the best description possible, including:

• Brief description of the activity
• Date, time and location of the activity
• Physical identifiers of anyone you observed
• Descriptions of vehicles
• Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone
• Your name and contact information (optional)

Police also gave the following advice for helping kids stay safe:

• Children should try to stay in groups: There is strength in numbers.
• Take time to know your surroundings: Be aware that the most dangerous times can be just before and after school.
• Strangers don't always look evil: A child should never talk to people they don't know.
• Walk away from streets: Children should stay on sidewalks or at least six feet from the street.
• Stay away from cars: Children should never approach a car or truck no matter what the occupants say.
• Yell and tell: If someone grabs a child, the child should scream and yell out "HELP ME -- CALL THE POLICE."
• Recognize, react, and report: When children think they see danger, they should run and tell an adult immediately.