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Richard Dominick

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Sep 14, 2009, 3:12:29 PM9/14/09

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IMPORTANT ALERT:

We have received confirmation from law enforcement of an attempted abduction on Thursday, September 10^th on Henmond Blvd in the Town of Poughkeepsie (near Page Lumber). A 16-year old girl was approached by a white man, approximately 40 years old, who wore glasses and had a goatee. He was driving a large white work van with tinted windows on the passenger side, rust over the rear wheels, and a round bubble window in the rear. Town of Poughkeepsie police are investigating. Residents are asked to call Town of Poughkeepsie Police at 485-3666 or 911 if they have concerns about a van matching this description.

Now that school has resumed, it is important for all parents to review the following safety tips with their children*:

Travel with a friend, or better yet, a group of friends when riding your bike or walking to or from school or other destinations. If a stranger offers you a ride somewhere, say no, and run away. Adults should define "stranger" and give safety tip examples to help youth, especially young ones, know what you mean. If someone follows you on foot, get away as quickly as you can. Go to someone's house you know, or run to other people, or just run away. If someone is following you in a car, turn around and go in the opposite direction or take a path where a car would not go.

Never leave school or any other extracurricular activity or event with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Moms or dads should tell their youngster that it is okay in these circumstances to not ride home, but that also means adults should have an established communications method along with these safety tip guidelines so that the kid does not end up stranded or alone. If a stranger tells you that there is an emergency or that a family member is hurt or that a pet has been in an accident, always check with your mom or dad or other trusted adults. This is a common trick used by many molesters or kidnappers.

Adults should establish "safe houses" where kids feel comfortable in knocking on their door at any time a situation warrants it. Be sure to get approval from the neighbors/homeowners first before designating a home as a "safe house." If possible, have a neighborhood safety tip meeting and have residents agree to watch after one another.

If at all possible, an adult should greet children as they get off a school bus, and not have them walk home alone.