Concord police officers are stepping up their presence around city schools following multiple reports of strangers following students near schools and bus stops.
The reports have not all been “on the same side of the city, so it’s multiple strangers,” Interim Superintendent Tim Herbert said in an interview on Monday.
In one instance, a 13-year-old girl reported being followed home by a man after getting off the afternoon school bus near the intersection of East Side Drive and Burns Avenue on Sept. 16.
A Concord police spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the additional reports.
Herbert said the police increased their patrols starting last week.
In an email Sunday, Herbert reminded parents and students of basic safety tips, including leaving immediately if approached by a stranger, making noise, calling for help and reporting any suspicious activity.
“By working together and staying alert, we can help ensure every child feels secure on their way to and from school,” Herbert wrote.