In Wake of Luring Incidents, Astorino Talks Child Safety

WHITE PLAINS, NY — In the wake of recent luring incidents in Mount Kisco and Rye, County Executive Robert Astorino addressed actions children can take to ensure their safety.

“What I tell my kids every night,” he said at a press conference, “is to make the right decision” — to trust your gut.

Police said two 13-year-old girls in Rye on Monday reported a man in a car pulled up beside them and masturbated in front of them.

On Wednesday in Mount Kisco two incidents were reported in which a man tried to lure a girls over to his car.

County Department of Public Safety George Longworth said he didn’t have any further updates on the Mount Kisco incidents other than the investigation is continuing and that there were similarities and dissimilarities between those and the one in Rye.

“From the police perspective, we immediately took a number of steps to insure the safety of the children in the Mount Kisco area,” Longworth said, including adding patrols during the time children travel to and from school.

Astorino said the incidents in Rye and Mount Kisco were stark reminders for parents to talk to their children about how they can stay safe.

“These three common sense safety tips could help prevent a tragedy,” he said, “Get loud, get away and get help.”

Astorino said the child has to trust his or her instincts.

“If the situation feels unsafe or someone’s behavior is making you uncomfortable,” he said, “yell ‘stranger,’ yell ‘he’s not my dad.’ ”

If a stranger grabs a child, Astorino said the child should drop to the ground or grab onto something that would make it harder for the stranger to get the child into a car.

“If a driver pulls alongside you and motions for you to come to the car,” he said, “ignore him and walk away. Get away from the car and that person as fast as you can.”

Common luring techniques, Astorino said, include a stranger asking a child for help in finding a lost pet or for help finding someone or some thing in another location.

If a child feels threatened, he or she should run to a store or a neighbor’s house, he advised.

“Go to a public place where people are gathered,” Astorino said, “and also, most importantly get help.”

The county executive said the child should not hesitate to call 911 right away if they feel they are in an unsafe situation.

“If a child is watching this, a police officer and your parents will never be mad if you make that call to protect yourself,” Astorino said. “We’d rather you be safe than sorry.

Photo credit: Westchester County.