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Lichtenau police warn parents after man approaches boy twice in one week

A child's quick thinking and a witness's intervention stopped two unsettling encounters. Now, authorities are calling for heightened awareness—and clear safety rules for kids.

The image shows a poster of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Fourth...
The image shows a poster of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Fourth Avenue and 23rd Street. It features a building with windows, trees, and a sky in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text.

Lichtenau police warn parents after man approaches boy twice in one week

Lichtenau (our platform)

A previously unknown man allegedly approached a boy in two separate incidents on Monday and Wednesday, according to reports. Police were notified, and their investigation revealed that on Monday around 5 p.m., the man spoke to the child in the main street, asking for personal details. A witness reportedly noticed the situation and intervened to help the boy. A second encounter occurred on Wednesday when the same boy was taking a bus home, and the man sat next to him. After a stop, the child managed to get away. Authorities later identified the man using a photo. Officers from the Lichtenau police station then conducted a preventive interview with the 29-year-old.

Police Recommendations for Child Safety:

  • Explicitly encourage your child to say "no" if something feels "off," makes them uncomfortable, or seems dangerous. Children must learn to trust their instincts.
  • Take time to talk with your child about their daily routine, worries, and concerns. Offenders often plan their actions in advance, and a small observation or a "strange" feeling from your child could be crucial in recognizing and preventing harm.
  • Know where and with whom your child spends their free time.
  • Practice role-playing with your child to prepare them for different scenarios. Use "What do I do if..." games—such as running away, approaching other adults for help, or shouting loudly for assistance.
  • Does your child know the emergency police number (110 in Germany)?
  • Warn about actions, not strangers. Children often don't understand the concept of "strangers"—someone who knows their name may no longer seem unfamiliar to them.
  • Set clear rules with your child about where they are allowed to go and which routes they can take. Point out safe places (shops and public buildings) where they can seek help.
  • Whenever possible, have your child travel to school or play outside in groups with other children.
  • Agree in advance on who is allowed to pick up your child from school or daycare and who they may go with—this should be limited to three or four trusted individuals.
  • Teach your child to keep their distance from vehicles if someone asks for directions or assistance.

What to Do If Your Child Reports Being Approached or Harassed by a Stranger:

  • Stay calm.
  • Listen carefully to your child's account without pressing for details or putting words in their mouth.
  • Reassure your child that they did the right thing by telling you and that you believe them.
  • Avoid blame (e.g., "I told you a hundred times not to do that...").
  • Call the police immediately on 110 in an emergency, even if the incident happened hours earlier.
  • Notify your child's school or daycare, where staff can issue a parent alert if needed and address the situation in class.
  • Avoid spreading rumors and prevent panic—especially on social media.

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