Deputies increasing patrols after reports of suspicious man in northern Valley – WHSV

PAGE COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) The Page County Sheriff's Office and Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office are each asking for information from people about a suspicious man driving a white work van.

A van was spotted in a Page County neighborhood Tuesday morning and reports have come in about two incidents in which a suspicious man approached children in Shenandoah County.

Report in Page County

According to the Page County Sheriff's Office, deputies got a report on March 4 that a white panel work van with the words "Free Candy" written on the side was seen on March 3.

A parent said that her children were outside playing when they spotted the van not far from their home, found it suspicious, and ran back inside.

The sheriff's office says the report came from the area of Luray Mobile Homes on Rt. 340 North, just north of Luray.

Deputies are planning to increase patrols in the area to ensure everyone's safety and are also working with Page County Public Schools so faculty can be vigilant as well.

But that's not the only area where a suspicious van has been spotted.

Reports in Shenandoah County

According to the Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office, they've gotten two reports of incidents involving a suspicious white man driving a white work van and approaching children.

Deputies say the first incident happened at a child care center, where a man was seen outside of the center, where children were playing. An employee approached the man and asked him to leave. At that point, deputies say he walked to a backfield near the center and continued to watch everyone that was outside. The child care center employees brought all the children inside and reported the man to law enforcement.

A second incident involved children playing outside near their homes when a man approached them, asking if he could play too, and then asked if they would want to leave with him to get a drink.

All of the children declined the man's request and instead ran to their parents or guardians, who then reported the incident to law enforcement.

The only description available for the man is that he's reportedly a white man between 45 and 50 years old, possibly driving a white work van and possibly with a white dog. Deputies have no further details to provide at this point.

Officials have not confirmed if these incidents were connected to the van seen in Page County.

What to do

Anyone with information about the van is asked to contact the Page County Sheriff's Office or Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement also wants to remind the public of the classic "see something, say something" mantra If you spot suspicious activity in your neighborhood, you're encouraged to report it as soon as possible. And speak to your children about recognizing suspicious behaviors.

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Deputies increasing patrols after reports of suspicious man in northern Valley - WHSV