Police Investigate Possible Child Abduction Attempts in Oak Park, Berwyn

Authorities in Oak Park are on the lookout for a potential child abductor after receiving reports of a man who may be trying to lure kids into a car.

Three incidents were reported in Oak Park and one in Berwyn since Friday, according to a news release. Here's where the incidents took place. All times are approximate:

Friday, 3:10 p.m. Southbound Harvey Avenue near, 1000 N. Ridgeland Ave. A student told authorities a man was sitting in a vehicle and tried to chat him up about a nearby dog.

Monday, 7:30 a.m. A juvenile told police he was followed by a car south on Ridgeland Avenue near , 715 S. Highland Ave. The car stopped then "observed the playground before continuing on," according to a news release.

Monday, 8:30 a.m. A juvenile was approached while walking north in the 800 block of south Oak Park Avenue when they heard a car horn sound and the driver asked if the juvenile needed a ride.

Tuesday, 7:15 am. A Berwyn juvenile said a man sitting in a parked car near Lincoln Middle School, 6432 W. 16th St., and asked for the youngster's help.

In all four incidents, police said, the students were "a safe distance from the vehicles" and immediately contacted school authorities. The specifics of each incident vary, but police said each account "shares the common elements of a white, male, in his 40s or 50s, approaching students en route to or from school."

In the wake of the incidents, police say they've stepped up patrols along school walking routes. They're urging students, parents, teachers and residents to be alert and call 911 if they believe they're observing suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about these or other incidents is encouraged to call the at (708) 386-3800 or e-mail police@oak-park.us. Authorities say anonymous tips can be made at www.oak-park.us/police by clicking the "anonymous crime tip" icon.