Schools Warn Against Suspected Luring Attempt

The Cranford School District is asking residents and school employees to be on the lookout for a white male in his 40s or 60s that is suspected in a February 1 attempted luring of an Orange Avenue student by the school.

At about 3 p.m. on February 1, an OAS student reported that he was allegedly approached by a white male in his mid-40s. The man allegedly invited the student to his car for some Skittles and Starbusts. The student ran to his grandmother's car and told her what happened. She looked around, and seeing nothing suspicious went home to phone the police.

Following a police investigation, another resident reported seeing a man in his 60s wearing a knit winter hat and a gray coat walking in the area. There have been no similar incidents reported in Cranford since. There have been no reported attempts in Westfield as well.

"There has been and will continue to be an increase police presence at all Cranford schools during arrival and dismissal time," said Superintendent Gayle Carrick in a letter to parents and guardians released Thursday. Read the full letter here.

Carrick asks parents to remind children not to speak to or go with strangers, even if offered candy.

If you have a tip regarding this or another incident, call the Cranford Police Department at 908-272-2222.