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Luring Incidents In NJ Communities Have Parents, Authorities On Alert

CRESSKILL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities are on high alert in Cresskill, New Jersey after a man tried to lure a teenager into his car. Police are on the case and want to know if there's a connection to other luring incidents, which has parents concerned.

Cresskill Police have released a sketch of the man they say tried to lure a teenage girl into his car with the promise of money for a modeling job. Detectives said the man was very persistent, following the girl until she became frightened and ran to her home nearby.

CBS 2's Mark Morgan spoke with several parents Thursday in Cresskill. This latest incident has especially unnerved them.

"I have a daughter in the middle school, and now I don't want her to walk anywhere by herself," Liz Flack said.

"It's very scary, but I have faith in the Cresskill Police Department to keep our children and everyone safe in our town," Melissa Presta said.

There have been similar incidents in the neighboring towns of Tenafly and Dumont.

Police described the suspect as a white male in his 20's with a fair complexion and light brown hair and brown eyes. He was driving a white, older model Jeep Cherokee.

Rita Neilan admits she is "very very concerned" about what occurred.

Police hope the sketch will help them find the man responsible for the latest incident. They also hope to find out if the same suspect is in any way connected to the other incidents in nearby towns.

"It was going on in other neighboring towns more north of here, but now it's right here in our backyard," Neilan said.

Are you concerned by these latest incidents of luring?  Share your thoughts in the comments section...

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