Nearby Child Luring Attempts Prompt Increased Police Patrol Near Ramsey Schools

In light of five recent child luring attempts in and around Bergen County, the Ramsey Police have increased the number of patrol units stationed near borough schools, Chief Bryan Gurney said Wednesday.

Though Gurney said there have not been any child luring attempts reported in Ramsey, he said patrols have been alerted about five nearby incidents over the past two weeks, and parents should be, too. 

"Parents should discuss what to do if their child is approached by a stranger," Gurney said. "Residents are urged to report any suspicious incidents."

Interim Ramsey School Superintendent Bruce DeYoung said teachers at the borough's five public schools have also been informed of the area child luring attempts.

"All of our staff and playground aides are aware and on alert," he said.

The closest luring incident happened last week in Ridgewood. According to a Ridgewood Patch report, “a 13-year-old George Washington Middle School student . The girl rebuffed their offer. The driver then pulled a U-turn on Lincoln Avenue and again approached the victim. She ran home without incident.”

Police have identified four other luring attempts in the past two weeks – in Hawthorne, Maywood, Oradell and Hackensack – that they believe are unrelated to one another.

According to RiverDell Patch, a seven year old was approached by a man outside her home last week. “According to police, the child was playing outside with a younger brother when an older white male with grey, balding hair, wearing a button-down shirt and black pants exited a small grey car and approached the two siblings. Both children ran inside their home and informed a parent, but the unknown man was gone by time their mother returned outside,” the report said.

In a release Thursday afternoon, Gurney alerted parents to the following "luring tactics" that may be utilized:

• Asking for assistance
• The loss of a pet
• Bribery
• False emergencies involving a family members

 The Ramsey PD recommended parents talk with their children about the methods, and about the following tips:

• Children are urged to travel in groups
• Children should never enter a car without the permission of a parent or guardian
• If a stranger does approach your child, advise them to drop anything that would slow them down; yell loudly that you do not know this person and run to a safe location (home, trusted neighbor, school crossing guard, any public building, or if possible, advise a police officer).  Immediately call the Ramsey Police Department at 201-327-2400 or 911. 

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