Scarsdale Schoolchildren Twice Approached By White Van Driven By Stranger: Police

SCARSDALE, NY — Law enforcement and school officials are warning families about two disturbing encounters between students and a stranger both before and after school.

In a joint letter to families, Chief of Police Steven DelBene and School Superintendent Andrew Patrick made a sobering public safety announcement.

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In two recent incidents, students reported their concerning interactions with a stranger in a vehicle.

On the afternoon of Sept. 28, a student in the Fox Meadow neighborhood was approached by a person driving a white van and asked to help with something inside the vehicle.

In a separate, more recent incident, on Wednesday, this time before school, a student in the Greenacres neighborhood was also approached by someone in a white van and asked to help deliver a package.

In both situations, police say, the students immediately left and notified their parents. The incidents were reported to Scarsdale police. The department said it is investigating the incidents, and increasing patrols across town, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times.

"We ask that you use this opportunity to discuss stranger safety with your children," the top school official and police chief said in the joint announcement. "Please remind them to never approach unfamiliar vehicles, to stay with friends whenever possible, and to immediately report any suspicious interactions to the nearest trusted adult, such as a school official, crossing guard, safety monitor, or police officer."

The officials said that immediate reporting is crucial in helping law enforcement intervene effectively.