Nassau Police: Man in Car Trying to Lure Girls with Candy

Two girls were approached this week in Valley Stream and Lakeview by a man trying to entice them with candy, according to Nassau County Police.

The latest reports are part of a string of similar confrontations in the area involving young girls and a strange man in a van, cops said.

A total of five girls between 8 and 16 years olf have been approached by the unknown man since mid-April, police said. In three of the incidents, the girls were walking to or from school when the man tried to lure them with candy, officials said.

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So far, police have reported the following incidents:

• April 13 at 4:30 p.m. on Melvin Avenue in Lakeview
• April 22 at 7:40 a.m. at Woodfield Road and Janos Lane in Lakeview
• April 23 at 2:35 p.m. on Lakeview Avenue in Lynbrook
• May 5 at 7:45 a.m. at Grove Street and Jamaica Avenue in Valley Stream
• May 7 at 7:30 a.m. at Orlando Avenue and Champlain Avenue in Lakeview

None of the girls have reportedly been injured.

The man is described as black, between 20 and 30 years old and he has been driving a black van or SUV, cops said. The car’s right rear door may be dented and the windows may be tinted.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the incidents or the man to call Nassau County Police at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Residents are also encouraged to call 911 immediately if they observe any suspicious activity.

NCPD also suggested the following methods of defense for children:

• If a stranger stops their car and asks the child questions, run the opposite direction and tell authorities.
• Always walk in groups and stay close to the curb, away from shrubbery and doorways.
• Do not take shortcuts through alleys, vacant lots or parks.

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