Christiansburg police urge parents to talk safety with kids

CHRISTIANSBURG (WSLS 10) - Christiansburg police are urging parents to talk to their children about safety after a man tried to lure three boys into his truck at a park.

Police said it happened on Saturday at a park on Hickok Street when a man approached three preteen boys and offered them candy in an attempt to get them in his red truck. He was described as a white man wearing a black sleeveless t-shirt who had a tattoo on his arm.

Crimes against children tend to increase across the country in the spring and summer months.

That is why police are encouraging families to have the safety discussion with their kids now before they are faced with a dangerous situation.

'"Have the conversations with your child. It's similar to having a fire drill at your home. Once the fire happens, it's too late to have that conversation," said crime prevention officer Nathan Delp. "So you need to talk to your kids."

For more parental resources, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or download the Netsmartz app.