DATE: Tuesday, July 1, 1997                 TAG: 9707010274

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   41 lines

KILL DEVIL HILLS CHECKS REPORTS OF 2 CHILDREN BEING ACCOSTED

Kill Devil Hills police are looking for men involved in at least two attempts to pick up young children over the weekend of June 21.

One incident was reported in the Third Street area. A man driving a white van followed a young girl home, then circled the block. The girl notified authorities.

A second incident occurred in the Landing Drive area. A man in a green van pulled into an area where children were playing and tried to lure one of the children into his vehicle, authorities said.

Police Chief Raymond L. Davis said Monday that police are still investigating. No similar incidents have since occurred, Davis said.

``The only description we got was that one of the men was black, the other white,'' Davis said. ``The information we got in the case came from the children. But we haven't had any attempted abductions or anything like that.''

Initially police thought that the same person was responsible for both incidents.

``We found out that one van was green and the other was white,'' Davis said.

Police urge parents to be aware of their children's whereabouts.

``Kids are out a lot more this time of year,'' Davis said. ``Parents should just use common sense in keeping a close watch on their children.''

Among suggestions for keeping children safe:

Always be aware of where your children are.

Never leave children unattended.

If you separate from your child for any reason, make sure the child knows your address and phone number.

If you separate from your children, always establish a time and a meeting place.

Children should never talk to strangers, or accept a ride, candy or gifts from them.

Anyone with any information on the two incidents should call the Dare County Crime Line at 473-3111 or the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at 480-4020.

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