Advocating a student-safety lesson

Police and school officials are suggesting that reports of three recent child-luring attempts in Chester County should serve as a catalyst for parents to reinforce safety tips with their children.

West Chester Police Chief Scott L. Bohn said it's helpful if parents can engage children in a "constructive, non-threatening" manner to avoid scaring them. He said he forwarded tips and recommendations for parents and students to the West Chester Area School District. In response to the reports, other schools in the area have also urged parents and students to be vigilant.

Bohn said investigators so far have not established a link among the incidents, which are "the continuing subject of investigation" and occurred Sept. 26 in East Fallowfield Township, Sept. 29 in West Goshen Township, and Oct. 24 in West Chester.

"Reports like this are disturbing, even if they are unrelated," Bohn said, urging parents "to contact the police immediately" if they see something suspicious.