Four recent reports of what may have been attempts to lure juveniles into cars has Oak Park Police urging students, parents, teachers and residents to be alert and call 9-1-1 if they observe any suspicious activity.
Three incidents were reported in Oak Park and one in Berwyn since Friday. While specifics do vary by incident, Police say all shared the common elements of a white, male, in his 40s or 50s, approaching students en route to or from school.
The first incident was reported in Oak Park on Friday. At about 3:10 p.m., the juvenile was walking southbound on Harvey Avenue near Hatch School. The student reported a man sitting in a vehicle attempted to start a conversation about a nearby dog.
Two reports were made on Monday in Oak Park. At about 7:30 a.m., a juvenile reported a car following southbound on Ridgeland Avenue near Longfellow School, then stopping to observe the playground before continuing on. Then at about 8:30 a.m., a juvenile reported that, while walking north in the 800 block of south Oak Park Avenue, a car horn sounded and the driver asked if the juvenile needed a ride.
The Berwyn report was made about 7:15 a.m., Tues., near Lincoln Middle School on 16th St. The juvenile said a man sitting in a parked vehicle asked for his help.
In all four incidents, the students were a safe distance from the vehicles and immediately reported the events to school authorities.
Oak Park Police have stepped up patrols along school walking routes. Anyone with information about these or other incidents is urged to call 708.386.3800 or e-mail police@oak-park.us. Anonymous tips can be made at http://www.oak-park.us/police – just click on the anonymous crime tip icon.
Irving School PTO 