BRUNSWICK — Police have increased daily patrols near three schools after investigating reports of possible child abduction attempts.

Police Deputy Chief Marc Hagan on Tuesday said between increased patrols and communications with school administrators, he’s confident that police have ensured the safety of residents in the area.

“We are reminding people that this is a good opportunity to speak with children, or teachers to speak with students, about personal safety,” Hagan said, adding that any incidents should be immediately reported to police at 725-5521 or 911.

Hagan said police have investigated all leads from the two incidents and have no suspects.

The two incidents allegedly happened within a month of each other on or near Columbia Avenue, where Coffin Elementary School and Brunswick Junior High School are located. Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School is less than a mile away on McKeen Street.

Neither incident was immediately reported to police, Hagan said.

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The most recent was on Saturday, Oct. 5, when two men in their 30s or 40s driving a silver pickup truck allegedly approached an 8-year-old girl and offered her candy to help them search for their dog, Hagan said.

The driver, who reportedly had tattooed arms and a pierced eyebrow, drove away when the girl declined the offer. The encounter wasn’t reported until Monday when the girl told a teacher.

The first incident happened on Sept. 12, when two teenage boys in a silver Dodge Charger allegedly drove past a 9-year-old boy and yelled “get in the car” while never slowing down, Hagan said. The boy then walked home.

Hagan said the incident wasn’t reported until Oct. 13, when the boy saw a similar car, although no physical or verbal contact was made.

Dylan Martin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 100 or dmartin@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DylanLJMartin.


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