Mobilize the Elders in the Village and Protect the Children

Recent Luring Attempts in Northern New Jersey

Over the past 10 days, there have been a series of possible luring attempts in Bergen and Passaic Counties. It is not clear whether any of the cases are related but there are similarities in some of the vehicle and person descriptions. Here is a timeline and summary of the recent incidents: 

Saturday October 6th – Maywood – An 8 year old girl was playing in front yard of her grandfather’s house when she was approached by a man who asked if she wanted to come to his house to see his puppies. The man was described as a white male in his 50’s or 60’s and was on foot. The girl did not respond to him and ran from the area.

Tuesday October 9th – Oradell – A 7 year old female was playing in her front yard when a small gray vehicle stopped and a male e

xited the vehicle. The man was described as being an older white male with gray balding hair. The juvenile did not engage in conversation with the man but ran into the house. The juvenile’s mother attempted to locate the actor but he had already left the scene.

Friday October 12th – Hackensack – At approximately 7:30am, an 11 year old boy was approached by a Jeep Wrangler as he was walking to school. The driver was described as an older white male with stubby facial hair, wearing sunglasses and a black skull cap. The boy was asked to get into the vehicle but he refused and walked away. 

Friday October 12th – Ridgewood - At approximately 3:30pm, a 13 year old female reported that an older model, small, black, 4 door vehicle slowed down beside her as she was walking home from school. The occupants of the vehicle were described as three black males in their twenties. They reportedly asked the girl to get into the car. She refused and was able to run home without any further incidents.

Friday October 12th – Hawthorne – A 13 year old girl was near a wooded area at a recreational field when a man in a hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans grabbed her by the wrist. There was a youth soccer game in progress on a nearby field. The girl was able to break free from the man.

Tuesday October 16th – Fair Lawn – A resident reported seeing a dark colored Jeep stop near two children as they were walking to school. The children ran away and told police that they Jeep’s windows were rolled up and they did not speak with any occupants. The driver was described as a white, middle aged man. 

Friday, October 19th - Westwood - 

Rendering of man identified in
Westwood luring.

WESTWOOD, N.J. (WPIX)— 

The search is on for a predator. Westwood Police reported another attempted luring of a child in New Jersey. A 13-year-old girl was walking to Westwood Regional Junior/Senior High School Thursday morning at about 7:10 a.m. when she was approached, according to Westwood Police.

Artist rendering of New
Milford suspect

Friday, October 19th - New Milford - New Milford Police Chief Frank Papapietro said that the girl was stepping off her school bus at the intersection of Hanley Avenue and Hanley Boulevard at around 2:30 p.m. when a man in a silver, four-door vehicle approached her and offered her a ride.

The Waldwick Police Department has increased patrols in school areas as well as at youth sporting events and at local parks. Anyone who observes a suspicious vehicle or person is asked to call 911 or the police department at 201-652-5700 without delay. Parents are encouraged to remind their children to be aware of their surroundings and avoid talking to strangers.

Englewood Police Dept. (general)

201-568-2711

Do not take your eyes off your children in the parks and playgrounds. Report unsafe conditions to the City Manager, to the Mayor and the Councilwoman at large. Start a Tsunami of support for the safety of our children. Do not allow elected officials and law enforcement to ignore our concerns.