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Tightened Patrols In Nassau County After Would-Be Child Abductions

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Nassau County have increased patrols and heightened security in Merrick, after an alarming number of stranger danger incidents.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, on Saturday, officers were everywhere in Merrick – particularly at the Merrick Kids Fest at the local train station – after a number of incidents in which children were nearly grabbed.

The would-be kidnappers followed the children, or tried to lure them into their cars, police said.

Tightened Patrols In Nassau County After Would-Be Child Abductions

"It's very scary to see there are people walking near the schools and threatening the children," said Michael Roche, a parent of three children himself. "There is not much to do but increase the police presence."

In each case, authorities said the students were either walking to or from school, or waiting for the bus.

Nassau County Kids Fest
Police presence has been stepped up at the Nassau County Kids Fest after a number of would-be abduction attempts. (Credit: Sophia Hall/WCBS 880)

At the Kids Fest event, county Executive Edward Mangano's office was out offering free child identification cards to attendees.

"Our children are our most precious resource and their safety is my number one priority. Nassau County police officers and detectives have been put on high alert and will work diligently to keep our residents and children safe," Mangano said in a news release. "I call on our residents to assist the police department by participating in our 'See Something, Say Something' campaign. If anything seems out of the ordinary, please call 911 immediately."

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