Parents at Saratoga Elementary School are still concerned about Thursday's suspicious driver incident reported in the San Jose Mercury News.
A man reportedly in his 40s, driving a white truck, attempted to lure children into his vehicle with $100 bills during school hours while students, parents and teachers decorated for the annual Pumpkin Walk.
The incident is making parents feel nervous in a community that has a crime rate well below California's average level. As of April 2010 there were six reported registered sex offenders living in Saratoga.
Cathy, a parent at Sarataga Elementary School who has requested not to disclose her last name, stated she is concerned about the driver coming back and doesn't know if the school is taking extra precautions. Attempts were made to contact the school on Friday; however, the school was closed due to a teacher work day.
"We feel so safe here in Saratoga, who would have thought this could happen? Thankfully, a group of parents scared the driver away," said Cathy.
According to reports, parents were proactive in deterring the suspicious driver. As the driver attempted to flee the scene, he dropped one of the $100 bills which parents turned over to authorities and is currently under investigation.
Parent/Child Safety Tips
- Never under any circumstance talk to strangers
- Children should never go to an adult who is asking them for directions or assistance
- Encourage children to never walk alone to and from school
- Always walk in a group or with a friend
- Instruct children to never take a "short-cut" to school by walking in unknown areas, fields or parks
- Have a "safe route" walking plan
- Discuss safety awareness with children and how to immediately report suspicious activity to a teacher, parent or officer
- Discuss possible scenarios with children and find out how they would react to possible situations
- Remember the type of clothes and colors your child is wearing each day
- Always keep a current photo handy (i.e., school Lifetouch ID Card)
- Keep track of registered sex offenders living in your area
- Know where your children are playing at all times and have children check in often when playing outdoors
- Statistics show that while most abductions are family/friend related, technology has opened doors in assisting parents with keeping kids safe
For more info:
LifeTouch and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
