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WKEF-TV ABC 22 News :: News - Top Stories - Attempted Abductions Increase Around Ohio Schools; Ways to Stay Safe
Friday, February 22 2013, 11:28 PM EST
Attempted Abductions Increase Around Ohio Schools; Ways to Stay Safe
CENTERVILLE-- It's a parents worst nightmare, having your young, innocent child approached by a stranger while walking to and from school and then kidnapped.

The FBI is working with the Ohio Attorney General's Office to find a man who's attempting to do that in Ohio.

They have released safety tips for your kids when they walk to school.

Melissa Mattioda has two twin bus who attend Centerville High School.

"I have twin boys that are soon to be 16 years old, they don't have their drivers license yet, but ever since my kids were little we've always gone through drills about if a stranger comes up to you scream, don't ever go up to the vehicle," Mattioda said.

She was shocked to hear about the recent attempted abductions and child enticement incidents happening around Ohio schools. There is a statewide alert out for kids and parents to be on guard.

"Somebody could be in the car and pretend they're hurt and try to pull them in the car and I've always told them you have to be cautious of everybody, you just don't know nowadays," Mattioda explained.

In each case the suspect has approached both boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. He was described as a white male, mid to late 40s or early 50s, brown hair, possible mustache, wearing a baseball cap with glasses or sunglasses.

"I just think it's a shame, and if I had kids I'll just be taking them to school myself I wouldn't even think about taking them to the bus stop or letting them walk to school it's just too many crazy people out here in the world," said Robert Lynch, from Miamisburg.

Jessica Saunders is the injury prevention coordinator at Dayton's Children's Hospital. She says it's important to talk to your kid about what to do if a stranger approaches you.

"If anyone tries to lure you, run away, make noise, if someone were to grab you, kick, scream you want to draw attention to yourself," Saunders said.   "If something just doesn't' feel right, it's okay to not go with that adult,and I think the other thing is that parents have things set up with their child you know like I'm picking you up from school today, making sure that you do have a plan so your child knows what to expect."

If your child walks to and from school, walk the route with them and how them places to run to just in case trouble arises. Attempted Abductions Increase Around Ohio Schools; Ways to Stay Safe

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