Police Investigate Report of Stranger Approaching Girl in Algonquin

is again asking for the public to be on the lookout after a stranger reportedly appraoched an 11-year-old girl Sunday evening and told her to get into his vehicle.

The report was made at 4:53 p.m. on Sept. 9 while the girl was in front of her home on Foster Circle near Sleepy Hollow Road, according to an Algonquin Police Department press release.

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A handful of similar incidents have been reported so far this year in Algonquin, including a report of a man with a shaved face driving a maroon or darker red minivan in his 20s or 30s at Barrett Drive and Broadsmore Drive in Algonquin in August. One as well as .

In the most recently report, the girl told police she was approached by a clean-shaved man between 33 to 37 years old. The man had brown hair, was wearing a V-neck shirt and was in a white van with a silver ladder on top, according to the news release.

The girl ran into her home and told her parents about the incident, according to the news release.

The police department is investigating the report and has increased patrols throughout the area, according to the news release. The police department is also reminding the public to go over their safety plan with children.

"We are asking parents to reaffirm the fact that a child should never get into any vehicle with an adult who is not their parent unless it is prearranged as part of that child’s safety plan," according to the news release. 

The police department is also reminding the public to report any similar incidents and is also seekinig any information on the identity of the driver in this incident. Information can be provided to by calling 847-658-4531.

Review Safety Information With Children

Police are encouraging parents to review safety information with children. 

The following points can be discussed with children:

• Don't talk to strangers who try to talk to you on the way home. 
• If the stranger continues trying to talk to you or stops the vehicle, run home or run to the nearest public place and immediately tell an adult what has happened.
• Never walk up to the car of a stranger, and never go with a stranger.
• It is best not to walk alone.
• Walk with a friend or a group of students.
• If you have a cellphone, call 911 immediately.
• Try to remember as much as you can about the stranger and vehicle.