Nassau County police warn of man trying to lure kids with candy

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (WABC) -- Police are warning parents in Nassau County about a man trying to lure kids with candy.

There have been five reported cases in Lakeview, Lynbrook and Valley Stream in the past three weeks, with the latest happening around 7:30 a.m. Thursday on Orlando and Champlain avenues.

Authorities say the suspect doesn't have too much of a pattern, striking from as early at 7:30 a.m. to as late as 4:30 in the afternoon.

For area residents, it's hard to imagine a child predator is lurking on their same quiet streets.

"I have an 11-year-old granddaughter, but I take her to school every day myself," neighbor William Bonds said. "But it's really sad, but I'll be looking out more for any suspicious stuff."

According to the victims, who are all girls between the ages of 8 and 16, the man tried to lure them, sometimes with candy, sometimes while walking home from school. The man is driving a black van or SUV with a dent on the right rear door and possibly tinted windows.

Bonds says his daughter received a text from his granddaughter's school about the incidents, but he didn't realize the most recent incident was so close to home.

"I wouldn't even think about it until I just heard it," he said. "But now I'll be looking out for suspicious vans."

Police are offering the following suggestions:

If a stranger stops their car and asks the child questions, run the opposite direction and tell authorities.

Always walk in groups and stay close to the curb, away from shrubbery and doorways.

Do not take shortcuts through alleys, vacant lots or parks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.