District News

Watervliet Police Department investigating unconfirmed abduction

Sept. 28, 2012

The Watervliet Police Department is investigating an unconfirmed abduction that was reported to have occurred yesterday in the vicinity of the Dunkin Donuts. Watervliet City School District officials are working with the Watervliet Police, including the School Resource Officer, to ensure the safety of our students. School attendance records have been looked at and all of the district’s students are accounted for.

As a precaution, we encourage you to remind your children about the importance of not talking to strangers. Below is a list of safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for parents to discuss with children and teens:

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 be able to follow.

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 strangers to lure children.

 

If you have any information about yesterday’s incident, please contact Watervliet Police at 518-629-3206.