Days after an abduction scare, residents in Altoona are being extra careful.
Both parents and residents said this type of drive-by “stranger danger” will not be tolerated.
Robyn Laino, a mother of three, said you’ll always find kids playing on nearby streets in the area.
And that she reminds her kids to be aware of their surroundings, no matter where they are or how familiar they may be with the area.
“They know, if it’s somebody you don’t’ know, stay away from them. And my 6-year-old has been pretty good about that. If he sees a stranger drive up, he will usually just come in the house,” Laino said.
Chief James Ott, with Duncansville Borough Police, said it’s important that families keep open communication.
Kids are encouraged to walk in groups and keep a cell phone handy for emergencies.
Ott urged that if you see anything suspicious, try and remember details like a license plate number or what the person looks like, but never get close enough to put yourself in danger.
“Avoid them, walk away, try and find an adult that may they may know. If they need to shout, shout out get somebody else’s attention, make enough of a scene so that it attracts other viewers,” Ott said.
On Wednesday police had not yet released information on the suspect involved with the reported sightings.