'Stranger Danger' community meeting

TOWN OF MENASHA - Many parents try to instill in their children the idea of "stranger danger," but recent incidents involving adults approaching children in the area has prompted a refresher course.

Most children know what a stranger is and it is most parents’ worst nightmare their child will be hurt or taken by one.

"I stay up at night sometimes, because I can't handle everything that's going on and it's scary all the stories on the news," Menasha mother Amelia VanAsten told FOX 11.

Several incidents of child enticement have been reported in the Fox Valley recently.  Some were simply misunderstandings, but at least one involved a known sex offender, trying to lure children into his car.

So the Town of Menasha, Neenah, and Menasha Police Departments got together to educate parents and their kids about stranger danger across the borders.

"Criminals and kidnappers really don't abide by the jurisdictional lines," said Town of Menasha Police Officer Jason Weber.

They held two meetings Thursday night: one for parents and one for children.

The adults learned about the steps police officers take once a child is declared missing: the questions they'll ask, the areas they'll search, the other agencies they'll call.

"There's a lot of behind the scenes stuff that goes on that I think a lot of the parents and a lot of people don't realize," said Weber.

And the children learned to "yell and tell," if they're approached by a stranger.

"Listen to their gut reactions: if it makes them uncomfortable, get away from the situation and tell someone what happened," explained Susan Reeves with Mission:Home.

The children had some fun learning and the parents got some reassurance from the police.

"The fact that they're having this meeting is outstanding.  I was thrilled when I heard about it. It's good to know they care," said VanAsten.

Two other community resources joined the police Thursday night. They were Mission:Home and the Fox Cities Victim Crisis Responders.