WATCH ABOVE: West-end residents on guard after suspects try to lure teens into van. Marianne Dimain reports.
TORONTO – Toronto police have issued a public safety alert following two attempted abductions in the city’s west end.
Authorities say both cases involved three men in a white cargo van who allegedly approached teenage girls in the High Park area.
The first incident was reported on Nov. 19 at 7:45 a.m. when a 13-year-old girl was walking on Annette Street near Quebec Avenue when a van pulled up alongside her and the men inside attempted to lure her in.
The girl managed to run away.
The same scenario played out the following day at 3:45 p.m. when a 13-year-old girl stood at a bus stop near Jane Street and St. John’s Road.
Police say the girl refused to get in and the vehicle drove away.
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All three suspects are described as white and in their 20’s.
Parkdale-High Park city councillor Sarah Doucette recently posted a Facebook message about the incidents.
“Our office has been contacted by several residents in response to news-releases and notices sent out by several schools that there have been a number of attempted abductions of girls over the last few weeks by three men in a white van,” Doucette wrote.
“I would like to assure you that 11 Division is looking into this thoroughly and are utilizing many resources to resolve this matter.”
Doucette said patrols have been stepped up in the area and that police are asking residents to remain vigilant.
“If you do see anything unusual please try to obtain the license plate number and/or make and model of vehicle and provide this information to 11 Division,” she wrote.
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