Students approached by person in white van in separate Scarsdale incidents, patrols increased
Police said the first incident happened Sept. 28 in the Fox Meadow neighborhood, where a student was approached by someone driving a white van and asked for help with something inside the vehicle.
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Police are increasing patrols in Scarsdale after two students reported concerning encounters with a stranger in a white van.
Police said the first incident happened Sept. 28 in the Fox Meadow neighborhood, where a student was approached by someone driving a white van and asked for help with something inside the vehicle. A second incident was reported Wednesday in the Greenacres neighborhood, where a driver in a white van allegedly asked a student for help delivering a package.
It has not been confirmed whether the same person or van was involved.
Neither student was harmed. Police said both students moved to safety and later notified their parents. The Scarsdale Police Department is investigating and increasing patrols across town, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times. School officials have also been alerted and say they remain vigilant.
In a joint message to families, school and police officials urged parents to discuss stranger safety with their children and reminded students to never approach unfamiliar vehicles and to immediately report suspicious interactions to a trusted adult.
Police Chief Steven DelBene and Superintendent Andrew Patrick said patrols are being increased across town, particularly during school arrival and dismissal. School staff have also been alerted.
They are asking parents to talk with their children about how to handle being approached by an unfamiliar person. Their reminders include:
Never approach unfamiliar vehicles.
Stay with friends whenever possible.
Report suspicious interactions to a trusted adult right away, such as a teacher, crossing guard, safety monitor or police officer.
The message stressed that reporting an interaction immediately can help police respond quickly.
