Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

We just received an alert from the Wantagh School District about an attempted abduction of a 2nd grader in Wantagh. The child was riding a bike on his block. The story is in Newsday on page A20.

Basically two men in a black pick up tried to coax a boy into their vehicle. This is not the first time we have heard about this black pick up. There are also reports of a similar incidents in Massapequa involving a man in a white van.

The point of this post is there is obviously someone, perhaps more than one person actively trying to abduct children. Please Please be sure your children know what to do if a stranger approaches or a car slows near them.
This childs parents were near by, the boy was riding his bike up the block.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

Thank you for posting this. My DH is convinced that my 3rd grader should be allowed to ride his bike to school...um..NO! Not going to happen.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

Ugh... this makes me so sick to my stomach! It also makes me feel totally justified in my crazy over-protectiveness.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

This makes me sick. Thanks. I think I get complacent sometimes....and I needed this reminder that there are effing sickos out there.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

There was another incident in Massapequa again yesterday. Then I had a conversation with my 2 older ones today and now DD is scared. I've mostly have the conversations with my son and I run through scenarios where a stranger might try to trick a child. I have only had a couple with DD before this. What am I supposed to do? I wasn't trying to scare her but they have to know, right?? It's very upsetting whether you have kids of your own or not but also when you want to start giving them some freedoms, you feel like you can't.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

Two other Moms and I rehearsed a few scenarios with the kids. They all (age 6 - 9) knew what to do if a stranger walked up to them but the car slowing down and approaching threw them a little. They are used to various people stopping to drop off and pick up sibs etc. so it was a little confusing. We really had to go over never leaving the sidewalk no matter who is in the car and if a stranger slows down in a car and tries to talk to you - run and yell no matter what.

I have to say our entire neighborhood is on high alert. While we were rehearsing the kids yelled STRANGER HELP -STRANGER HELP as they ran to arranged safe spots. We had all the neighbors out. One had her phone and was about to dial 911. I guess we should have broadcast that this was only a drill.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

Noah was scared yesterday too. I had to explain that a stranger wasn't going to come in the house and steal him while we were sleeping. I had to show them the house alarm and various protective measures we have to prevent intruders. I actually let him fall asleep in my bed because he was so shaken up.

But yeah - we told them that they needed to avoid any stranger, run - scream "STRANGER", etc.. Told them that no adult should ask them for directions or offer them money, candy, etc. Told them that we would NEVER send ANYONE that they don't know to pick them up for us no matter WHAT they are told.

We were just starting to consider allowing Robbie to play basketball in the driveway by himself.. and now that's off the table. Friggin' predators.

Message edited 6/17/2010 11:24:41 AM.

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

Stuff like this is just too scary for me

Re: Stranger Danger - Attempted Abduction in Wantagh & Massapequa

I wanted to puke when I heard about this. We were away earlier this week but it was only a few blocks up from our house. So scary.