Astorino Issues Safety Tips in Wake of Recent Luring IncidentsDec. 9, 2016 - Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino advanced his Safer Communities initiative Friday morning when he issued safety tips for parents and their children about what to do in the event they encounter a predator.

Sparked by recent incidents of child luring, Astorino, who was joined by Commissioner of Public Safety George Longworth and county police officers, coined the “3 Gs”: Get Loud, Get Away and Get Help. These three common sense steps to safety can prevent tragedies.

“This week’s incidents, thankfully, did not result in any abductions,” said Astorino. “However, they serve as a reminder that we must be vigilant and never take our children’s safety for granted. For all the parents out there, as well as teachers and all caretakers, the most important thing you can do is to have this conversation with your kids.”

Included among the suggested discussion points:

  • If anyone ever grabs you, yell and fight.
  • Yell “stranger” or “he’s not my dad.” Get the attention of other people near you.
  • Be suspicious if an adult you don’t know asks for your help. Common luring techniques are when a stranger asks a child for help in finding a lost dog or help with finding someone or something in another location.
  • If you feel a car is following alongside you, walk in the opposite direction if it is safe to do so.
  • If you have a cell phone and feel unsafe, call 9-1-1 right away.
  • Always remember, the police are there to help you. Don’t hesitate to call them.

The above tips and more suggestions for family discussions are available as part of the Safer Communities initiative on the county website, westchestergov.com/safer-communities.